ECWA Church Confirms Abduction Of Eight Worshippers, Including Pastor’s Wife, As Security Forces Rescue Three

Ilorin, Kwara State– The Executive Council and entire members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) have confirmed the abduction of several worshippers during a church service in Oro-Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Afrika Eyes gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday when armed bandits invaded an ECWA church in the area and abducted eight members of the congregation during worship.

However, three of the abducted worshippers were later rescued following an intervention by joint security forces.

Reacting to the development, the District Church Council in Ilorin expressed deep concern over the attack on the church and the growing wave of insecurity affecting Christian communities in the state.

In a statement issued by the council, the church leadership said the incident had caused great sorrow among members and described the attack as a troubling development.

“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 council said.

The council noted that the incident was part of a worrying trend of attacks affecting ECWA congregations and communities across the Kwara South Senatorial District.

“This painful development is yet another troubling occurrence in recent times, particularly affecting ECWA churches and communities across Kwara South Senatorial District,” the executive council added.

The church leadership called on relevant security agencies to take proactive steps to protect lives and property, stressing that authorities should prevent such attacks rather than only responding after tragedies occur.

“The council calls on the relevant security agencies to intensify proactive measures to safeguard lives and property, rather than responding only after such tragic incidents have taken place,” the statement said.

While expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, the council said it was committing the remaining abducted worshippers into God’s hands and praying for their safe return.

“The District Executive commits these our 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.

“May the peace of God be with them amen,” the council added.

The attack has further heightened concerns about the worsening security situation in parts of Kwara State, particularly in communities within the Kwara South Senatorial District where residents have repeatedly complained about rising cases of banditry and kidnappings.

Earlier,  Afrika Eyes reported suspected terrorists believed to be bandits have reportedly invaded a church in the Oro-Ago community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting at least nine persons during a Sunday gathering.

Afrika Eyes gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday when the armed assailants stormed the church.

Sources within the community told Afrika Eyes that the gunmen arrived suddenly and carried out the attack while people were inside the church.

A source familiar with the incident confirmed to Afrika Eyes that nine persons were kidnapped by the attackers during the invasion.

“Yes, I can confirm to you that nine people were kidnapped today and whisked away by the assailants,” the source said.

The source added that the attackers, suspected to be bandits, invaded the church premises unexpectedly, leaving residents and worshippers in shock.