ECWA laments Kwara Church abduction, demands stronger security measures

The Executive Council and members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Fate-Tanke District Church Council in Ilorin have expressed deep sorrow over the abduction of worshippers during a church service in Kwara State, describing the incident as distressing and part of a growing pattern of attacks in the region.

The council’s reaction follows the invasion of an ECWA church in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where eight worshippers were reportedly abducted by bandits on Sunday. Three of the victims were later rescued through the intervention of joint security operatives.

In a statement, the council decried the attack, noting that it disrupted a sacred gathering and inflicted pain on the affected families and the wider Christian community.

“We received with great sorrow the disturbing report that bandits disrupted the worship service and abducted eight members, including the wife of the Minister in charge of the church, Mrs. Omole,” the statement read.

The council described the incident as one of several troubling security breaches in recent times, particularly affecting ECWA churches and communities across the Kwara South Senatorial District.

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It called on security agencies to adopt more proactive strategies to prevent such attacks, rather than responding only after lives have been endangered.

The church body also offered prayers for the safe return of those still in captivity, expressing faith in divine intervention amid the crisis.

“The District Executive commits these beloved brethren into God’s hands, praying earnestly for their safety and speedy release. We trust the Lord to comfort the affected families and strengthen His Church in this trying time,” the council stated.

It further prayed for peace and resilience for the affected community, saying, “May the peace of God be with them.”

The abduction has continued to draw concern from religious and community leaders, as insecurity in parts of Kwara South remains a growing challenge despite ongoing security efforts.