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Three Victims Escape, Five Still in Captivity as Security Forces Launch Manhunt
Gunmen on Sunday attacked the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting eight members of the congregation during a brazen assault that has heightened concerns over the security of worship centres in the state.
Ejes Gist News gathered that the suspected bandits stormed the church during the Sunday service, firing sporadically to disperse the congregation before whisking away their victims.
Three Rescued, Five Still in Captivity
Following the incident, a joint security response team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Nigerian military, and forest guards launched a swift manhunt, leading to the rescue of three of the abducted victims.
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The spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that the rescue followed “the swift and coordinated response of security forces.”
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However, she added that five persons remain in the custody of the abductors.
“Sadly, five persons remain in the custody of the abductors,” Ejire-Adeyemi said in a statement.
Government Condemns Attack
The Kwara State Government has condemned the “cowardly” targeting of places of worship under any guise.
The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, tasked security forces and local vigilantes with ensuring that the bandits are apprehended.
“The government commends the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes for their proactive response to the incident and the rescue of three of the eight abducted victims,” Olukoju said.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the state government urged security forces, forest guards, local vigilantes, and community members to continue working collaboratively to end the menace.
“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 statement read.
Security Operations Intensified
The government also commended security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes for the progress made in combing forests in the area, which has helped curtail the activities of criminal elements.
“The government again assures residents of its continued commitment to working with security forces and community stakeholders to protect lives and property,” Olukoju added.
Previous Attacks on Churches in Kwara
The abduction occurred months after gunmen seized dozens of worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, in a similar attack on a church.
A video from that incident showed a service being disrupted by gunfire, with children heard screaming as an armed man chased worshippers, while others looted personal belongings at the Christ Apostolic Church.
All 38 victims in that incident were later rescued following a coordinated security operation.
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the rescue in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account:
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Months Ago | Gunmen abduct 38 worshippers in Eruku, Kwara; all later rescued |
| Sunday, March 2026 | Bandits attack ECWA Church, Omugo, abduct eight worshippers |
| Same Day | Three victims rescued; five remain in captivity |
| Ongoing | Security forces continue manhunt for perpetrators |
Key Facts
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | ECWA Church, Omugo, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State |
| Incident | Armed bandits attacked during Sunday service |
| Number Abducted | 8 |
| Rescued | 3 |
| Still in Captivity | 5 |
| Security Response | Police, military, forest guards, and vigilantes deployed |
| Government Position | Condemned attack; directed security forces to rescue remaining victims |
| Previous Incident | 38 worshippers rescued from Eruku church attack |
Security Concerns
The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of worship centres in Kwara State and across the North-Central region, where incidents of banditry and kidnapping persist despite ongoing security operations.
The Kwara State Government has assured residents of its commitment to working with security agencies and community stakeholders to protect lives and property.
What Happens Next
Security forces continue their manhunt for the perpetrators, with authorities expressing confidence that the remaining five victims will be rescued and those responsible brought to justice.
Local vigilantes and forest guards have been mobilised to support operations in forests where the abductors are believed to have fled.
Ejes Gist News Nigeria will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates on rescue efforts and the apprehension of the perpetrators.
For reactions or inquiries, contact the editorial team at [email protected]
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