Three rescued after failed church attack in Kwara

Joint security operatives on Sunday repelled a suspected bandits’ attack on an ECWA Church in the Omugo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, rescuing three abducted victims in the process.

The attack was reportedly carried out by armed men during a church service, triggering panic among worshippers and residents of the community.

A local source said the gunmen stormed the church premises and whisked away members before security forces swiftly intervened to contain the situation.

An anonymous source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch told The PUNCH that no fewer than seven persons were abducted during the attack.

“At least seven people were abducted,” the source said, without providing further details.

Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security operatives successfully rescued three victims while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of others.

She stated, “We commend the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attackers.”

Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.

“While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators,” she said.

The commissioner further condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as both cowardly and unacceptable.

“The Kwara State Government strongly condemns the cowardly targeting of a place of worship under any guise, and we reaffirm that such acts of violence have no place in our communities,” she added.

The commissioner also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by staying vigilant and cooperating with the relevant authorities.

“We call on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to this menace and safeguard our communities,” the statement noted.

Olukoju emphasised that ongoing forest combing operations had yielded results in curbing criminal activities in the area.

“We also commend the appreciable progress made in the ongoing combing of the forests, which has significantly curtailed the activities of criminal elements across affected areas,” she said.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of sustained collaboration with all security stakeholders.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that security concerns have heightened in the state following intelligence reports of planned coordinated attacks across parts of Kwara South.

The Kwara South Joint Security Watch had earlier warned of possible attacks targeting Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.

The group’s Coordinator, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the development, stating that intelligence indicated planned strikes on March 23 and March 28, 2026.

“Yes, it is from the intelligence that we gathered that they are planning to strike, and we don’t want to take anything for granted,” he said.

He added that security agencies have begun deploying military and paramilitary personnel, alongside air surveillance, to forestall the anticipated attacks.