Suspected bandits have invaded an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State and kidnapped about eight worshippers.

Multiple reports indicated that the attack happened on Sunday during a church service, causing panic among worshippers and residents in the community.

It was gathered that the assailants invaded the church premises and abducted several people before security forces arrived the scene and intervened.

Confirming the development on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said three of the victims had been successfully rescued following immediate response by the security operatives.

Ms Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the remaining abductees.

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

“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,” the commissioner stated.

Ms Olukoju further condemned the targeting of a religious centre and described the dastardly attack as 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.

Ms Olukoju urged community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards and vigilantes to bring an end to the menace and safeguard our communities.

The state police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, could not be immediately reached to confirm the efforts ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and restore order in the affected community.

The latest development added to the growing terrorists’ attacks in several Kwara communities, especially in Edu, Patigi, Ifelodun, Kaiama and others.

In November last year, suspected bandits suspected bandits invaded the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, killing at least two people while kidnapping several others.

Last month, Boko Haram terrorists also
invaded Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA of the state, killing over 200 people while kidnapping several others.

Despite promises by the Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led government to restore normalcy to the affected communities, over 170 people kidnap victims still languish in terrorists’ dens.