Armed bandits kidnapped eight worshippers at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, during Sunday service, March 22.
Witnesses said gunmen stormed the church, firing shots to scare the congregation.
Three of the abducted members later escaped, while five remain in captivity.
The incident was confirmed by the Kwara State government through Commissioner for Communications Bolanle Olukoju.
He said security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes have launched a manhunt to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the criminals.
“The government commended the security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes for the proactive response to the incident and the rescue of three of the eight victims,” Olukoju said.
He condemned attacks on religious places as “cowardly” and urged continued collaboration between security agencies and community members.
“While commending the immediate response of the security forces and other stakeholders, we task them to ensure that the ongoing manhunt leads to the rescue of the remaining victims and arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement read.
The government also praised efforts to comb local forests, which have “largely curtailed the activities of the criminals in the areas,” and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property.
Security agencies have intensified patrols and are appealing to residents for information that could aid in the rescue and capture of the bandits.
