Date: March 23, 2026 l By: Dalena Reporters
The attack occurred at an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed the premises while service was ongoing and began firing sporadically to disperse worshippers.
According to reports, eight members of the church were abducted during the attack, with the assailants whisking them away to an unknown destination amid chaos and fear.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers operated with little resistance, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the congregation as people scrambled for safety. The sound of gunshots reportedly sent shockwaves through the community, forcing residents to flee or hide.
In a slight relief, three of the abducted victims were later able to escape from their captors, while five others remain in captivity as security agencies intensify search and rescue operations.
The Kwara State Government has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly attack” on a place of worship. Authorities have directed security forces, local vigilantes, and forest guards to launch a full-scale manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the remaining victims.
Police officials confirmed that a joint task force involving the military and other security agencies has been deployed to comb nearby forests where the kidnappers are suspected to be hiding.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity crisis in Nigeria, where even religious centers once considered safe havens are increasingly becoming targets of violent attacks. Analysts warn that such attack could deepen fear among citizens and further erode confidence in the country’s security architecture.
This latest attack adds to a disturbing pattern of kidnappings and assaults across northern and central Nigeria, raising urgent questions about the safety of communities and the effectiveness of ongoing security measures.
As families of the victims await news, pressure is mounting on authorities to secure their release and prevent further tragedies in places meant for peace and worship.