Gunmen attack church, kidnap eight worshipers in Kwara

Gunmen on Sunday attacked the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of ​​Kwara State and kidnapped eight worshipers during the service.

Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday in Ilorin.

He said the suspected bandits stormed the church premises and shot sporadically to scare congregation members.

Olukoju added that three of the kidnapping victims later escaped from their captors, while five others were still being held hostage.

He appealed to security agencies and local residents to ensure that the perpetrators were caught.

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“The government commends security agencies, forest guards and local residents for their proactive response to the incident and the rescue of three of the eight victims.

“The government condemns these cowardly acts targeting religious centers under any guise,” the commissioner said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, also confirmed the incident to journalists on Sunday.

He said rescue operations were underway as joint patrols of police and military personnel were directed to pursue the perpetrators.

CP said only two of the victims were under 70 years old, and the other three victims were elderly.