Bandits abduct eight worshippers from Kwara church
From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin Gunmen yesterday abducted eight worshippers of the Evangelical Church of Winning All (ECWA) at Omugo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The gunmen were
From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin
Gunmen yesterday abducted eight worshippers of the Evangelical Church of Winning All (ECWA) at Omugo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The gunmen were said to have invaded the church during service, and shot sporadically to scare the congregants away.
However, it was gathered that three of the abductees escaped, but five were still in captivity.
The state Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju confirmed the incident.
She tasked security forces and local vigilantes to ensure that the bandits are apprehended.
“The government commended the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes for the proactive response to the incident and the rescue of three of the eight victims of the abduction.
The government condemned the cowardly targeting of religious places under any guise.
The state government urged the security forces, forest guards, local vigilantes, and community members to continue to work together to end the menace.
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“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 arrest of the perpetrators,” according to the statement.
“The government also commended the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes for the appreciable progress made in their combing of the forests, which has largely curtailed the activities of the criminals in the areas.
“The government again assured the people of its continuous commitment to work with security forces and community stakeholders to protect lives and property.”
Earlier on Saturday night, a group known as Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, had raised the alarm about security threats.
The group in a letter to the state police command signed by its Coordinator Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubari said: “We are bringing to your attention reports of potential security threats targeting Kwara on March 23 and possible attacks on Yorubaland from March 28 post-Ramadan.
“We urge immediate action and heightened vigilance to protect citizens.
“The people are anxious and need reassurance of their safety.
“Awaiting your prompt response and action.”
