Kwara Police: Most Church abductees by terrorists are over 70 – CP Ojo

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Kwara State — Terrorists on Sunday morning attacked the ECWA Church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting 13 worshippers during the weekly service.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident to Vanguard, noting that the majority of the kidnapped victims are over 70 years old. He expressed confidence that security efforts would lead to their rescue.

“We just returned from the scene. Most of the worshippers abducted are over 70 years of age; very few are younger. From our analysis, the terrorists were trying to move into thicker forests by midnight, but we have blocked all the escape routes. I believe Almighty God that our efforts will succeed and the victims will be rescued,” Ojo said.

Vanguard gathered that joint security operatives—including police, forest guards, and soldiers—successfully rescued three of the abducted worshippers, while nine remain in captivity. Reports indicate that the attack caused panic among worshippers and residents.

A source from the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, raised concerns about the church’s proximity to a military base—less than two kilometres away—and suggested possible lapses in security.

The source added that four individuals abducted earlier in the neighboring Babanla community are still in captivity, despite the community raising N10 million in ransom.

Meanwhile, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, confirmed the incident and commended the coordinated response of security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which helped repel the attackers and rescue three victims. She stated that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees.

Olukoju condemned the attack on a religious centre, calling it “cowardly and unacceptable,” and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies. She highlighted that ongoing forest combing operations have significantly curtailed criminal activities in the area.

The state government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured residents of continued collaboration with all security stakeholders to restore safety in affected communities.

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