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Joint security operatives on Sunday rescued three abducted worshippers of ECWA church in Omugo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State after repelling a suspected bandits’ attack.
Armed men reportedly carried out an attack during a church service, causing panic among worshippers and residents of the community.
The gunmen invaded the church premises during service and took some members of the church.
Seven worshippers were taken in the process.
But the State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, in a statement on Sunday, explained that security operatives successfully rescued three victims with efforts ongoing to secure the release of other abducted victims.
She hailed the immediate and coordinated response of the security forces including forest guards and local vigilantes that led to the rescue of three of the abducted victims and helped to repel the attack.
Olukoju added, “The government had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.”
While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, the statement tasked them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators.
She condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the act as both cowardly and unacceptable, reaffirming that such acts of violence have no place in communities.
The commissioner advised residents to support ongoing security efforts by staying vigilant and cooperating with the relevant authorities. She called on community members to continue to work closely with security agencies, forest guards, and local vigilantes to bring an end to the menace and safeguard their communities.
The Commissioner explained that ongoing forest combing operations had yielded results in curbing criminal activities in the area, saying that the ongoing combing of the forests has significantly curtailed the activities of criminal elements across affected areas.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to collaborate with all security stakeholders for the realization of the desired goal.
