…Source Alleges Compromise
…Tinubu Urges Govs to Crush Insecurity
By Franklin Adole
No fewer than nine worshippers were abducted yesterday morning when suspected terrorists stormed an ECWA Church in the Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, barely two kilometres from a military base.
It was gathered that joint security operatives rescued three of the victims following a swift response to the attack.
The brazen assault, which occurred during a Sunday service, has heightened concerns over security lapses, especially given the proximity of the church to a military formation.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers invaded the church premises mid-service, firing sporadically and herding worshippers into the surrounding forest, leaving panic and confusion in their wake.
Sources disclosed that some congregants who managed to escape raised the alarm, prompting a combined team of police, forest guards, and soldiers to pursue the assailants into the bush, leading to the rescue of three victims.
A local source expressed alarm over the incident, noting that prior intelligence had suggested a possible attack.
“I was told nine worshippers were taken into the forest after three were rescued by security operatives. The troubling part is that the church is less than two kilometres from a military base. One begins to suspect compromise because they will soon demand ransom,” the source said.
The source further revealed that insecurity in the area has worsened, citing a recent case in the neighbouring Babanla community where four abducted persons remain in captivity despite the payment of N10 million ransom.
“We surely can’t continue like this. It is very unfortunate,” he added.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said security forces successfully rescued three victims and were intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
“We commend the immediate and coordinated response of security forces, forest guards, and local vigilantes, which led to the rescue of three victims and repelled the attackers,” she said.
Olukoju added that the government had directed security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended while ongoing operations continue to secure the victims’ release.
She condemned the attack on a place of worship, describing it as cowardly and unacceptable, and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
The commissioner also noted that ongoing forest combing operations have recorded progress in curbing criminal activities in affected areas, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has tasked state governors to intensify collaboration in tackling insecurity, pledging increased foreign support to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking during an Eid-el-Fitr homage led by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Lagos, the president stressed that insecurity remains the nation’s most pressing challenge.
“The next phase of our struggle is the challenge of insecurity, and I am making all efforts to ensure we collectively achieve victory over forces threatening our stability,” Tinubu said.
He described insecurity as a major obstacle to development and prosperity, urging all levels of government to remain resolute in confronting the menace.
Tinubu also disclosed plans to deepen international partnerships, particularly in securing modern equipment, intelligence sharing, and training to combat terrorism effectively.
In a related development, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has revealed that no fewer than 190,150 Nigerians have been killed by terrorists, bandits, and armed groups between July 2009 and March 19, 2026.
In its latest report, the group stated that 128,750 of those killed were Christians, while 61,400 were moderate Muslims.
The organisation’s chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, said at least 131,100 persons were abducted within the period, with about 30,000 later killed in captivity during the peak years of insurgency.
He added that thousands of victims remain in captivity, while many others were forced into ideological conversion or taken to foreign extremist camps.
According to the report, in 2025 alone, about 7,500 Christians were killed and 8,500 abducted, while within the first 78 days of 2026, over 1,600 persons have already been killed and more than 2,300 abducted.
The report also highlighted fresh attacks in Borno, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Adamawa states, warning of a persistent and widening security crisis.
Intersociety called for urgent and decisive action to halt the killings and protect vulnerable communities across the country.