Suspected Bandits on Sunday invaded an ECWA Church in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State and abducted some worshippers.
The attack, which reportedly occurred in the morning during a church service, caused panic among worshippers and residents, as Joint security operatives were said to have rescued three of the abducted victims.
A source told PUNCH Online that the assailants stormed the church premises and abducted several people before the intervention of security agencies.
Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, almost seven people were abducted, even though further details were not provided.
Confirming the development to newsmen, the state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security operatives had successfully rescued three victims while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.
While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, the commissioner tasked them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims, as well as the arrest of the perpetrators.
She also condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as cowardly and unacceptable, urging residents to be vigilant and cooperate with the authorities by supporting ongoing security efforts.
“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,”
“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,” she said.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of sustained collaboration with all security stakeholders.
It had earlier been reported that security concerns have heightened in the state, following intelligence reports of planned coordinated attacks across Kwara South.
As a result , Kwara South Joint Security Watch had warned of possible attacks targeting Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas of the state.
