The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Kwara State has raised a significant alarm regarding the escalating trend of kidnappings and killings in various settlements within the Kwara South Senatorial District, urging immediate government intervention to enhance security.
This statement surfaced after a recent attack in Oyatedo village, situated in the Irepodun Local Government Area, during which armed individuals fatally shot an ECWA member named Omoniyi Ajise and abducted his wife along with four other local residents.
The church reported that the incident took place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, coinciding with a security meeting held by ECWA district councils in Omu-Aran, as conveyed in a communiqué made available to media outlets on Thursday.
The communiqué was endorsed by Samuel Adewumi, the Chairman of the ECWA Joint District Church Councils Forum in Kwara, and Secretary Joseph Agboluaje.
Leaders from several districts, including Ilorin, Omu-Aran, Igbaja, Oro-Ago, and Fate-Tanke, participated in this crucial meeting, focusing on the increasing security threats faced by communities in the state and its neighboring areas.
According to the church's representatives, the recent attack adds to a series of violent incidents in communities near Oro-Ago, Babanla, and other locations within the district.
Notably, they pointed out that two elderly individuals, known simply as Dada and Ishola, were previously kidnapped in Ahun village but were released after the assailants discerned their age.
The church leaders labeled the security climate as alarming, emphasizing that such attacks have become disturbingly common in numerous rural areas.
They cautioned that ongoing insecurity has particularly endangered farmers during the vital cashew harvesting season, which serves as a primary income source for many residents.
The communiqué highlighted that numerous farmers have abandoned their agricultural activities out of fear of attacks while communities now exist under the persistent threat from criminal elements.
Moreover, it was reported that the persistent insecurity has resulted in the closure of several ECWA churches in affected areas as congregants and clergy members seek safety away from their homes.
According to the communiqué, "Many pastors are currently without congregations, and many families have been driven from their homes. Economic activities have faced severe disruptions, leading many households into financial hardship."
The church leaders expressed that the situation has deteriorated to an extent where activities that were once considered intolerable have now become the norm in many districts.
Consequently, they urged the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and security services to intensify operations aimed at restoring safety in the afflicted regions.
The forum stated that safeguarding lives and property remains a core government responsibility.
They called on the authorities to deploy additional security personnel, bolster intelligence collection, and implement proactive measures to combat kidnappings and related criminal activities in both Kwara South and its neighboring communities.
Assuring continued commitment to peace initiatives, the forum emphasized that the church would maintain its efforts through prayers and guidance, encouraging community members to respect the law.
Additionally, ECWA leaders affirmed their dedication to fostering peace, unity, and development throughout the state.
In response to the incident, the Kwara State Police Command stated it had no prior knowledge of the occurrences as no formal reports had been received.
“I’m not aware of any such incidents,” remarked the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a telephone conversation on Thursday.
She assured that the command is diligently working to ensure a secure environment for residents.
"The command remains proactive. Recently, the Inspector General of Police visited Kwara and vowed to eradicate banditry in the state."
Ejire-Adeyemi added, "We have also made several arrests recently, with suspects set to be charged in court once investigations conclude."
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!