Bandits abduct 8 during church service in Kwara

....as Security forces rescue 3

Armed bandits have reportedly invaded an ECWA church in the Omugo, Oro-Ago community of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State on Sunday morning, abducting eight worshippers during the service.

However, a swift counter-operation by joint security forces has already led to the successful rescue of three of the victims.

The brazen assault unfolded just hours after a specific security alert was raised in the region.

Prior to the invasion, Zubair Olaitan, the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for the Kwara South Senatorial District, had issued a warning regarding imminent attacks targeting various communities across the Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas.

Reacting to the distressing incident, the Kwara State Government strongly condemned the cowardly attack on a peaceful religious gathering.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government directed formal security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to intensify their ongoing manhunt.

The administration tasked the combined forces with ensuring the apprehension of the attackers and securing the safe return of the remaining five captives.

While charging the operatives to leave no stone unturned, the state government also lauded the joint forces for their rapid response and the initial successful rescue of three worshippers.

The administration commended the appreciable progress made recently by security personnel and local guards in aggressively combing the surrounding forests, a collaborative effort that has significantly curtailed criminal operations in the zone.

The government further reassured citizens of its unwavering commitment to working alongside all community stakeholders and security outfits to safeguard lives and property across the state.