Gunmen have abducted eight worshippers during a church service in Kwara State, in the latest wave of attacks targeting religious gatherings in Nigeria.
The incident occurred at the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where suspected bandits stormed the service and opened fire to disperse the congregation before whisking away victims.
In a dramatic twist, three of the abducted worshippers managed to escape from their captors shortly after the attack, leaving five still in captivity as of the latest reports.
Authorities say a coordinated response involving the police, military personnel, forest guards, and local vigilantes led to the rescue of the three victims. The Kwara State Police Command described the operation as swift and strategic, but confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State Government condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly” assault on a place of worship, and directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators.
Officials also called for stronger collaboration between security forces and local communities, noting that ongoing forest combing operations have already helped to curb criminal activities in parts of the state.
The latest abduction underscores growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara, a state once considered relatively safe but now witnessing a rise in kidnappings and violent attacks.
The incident comes just months after dozens of worshippers were abducted in a similar church attack in the state, highlighting a troubling pattern and increasing pressure on authorities to deliver lasting security solutions.
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