What began as a peaceful Sunday morning quickly turned into a nightmare for residents of Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, after armed bandits invaded a church service and abducted several worshippers.
The attack, which occurred during a service at the Evangelical Church of West Africa, has left the once-busy farming community deserted, as residents flee in fear of another assault.
When visited a day after the incident, the village appeared almost abandoned. Homes were locked, shops shut, and streets eerily quiet. Families were seen leaving with their belongings, unsure of when—or if—they would return.
Survivors narrated chilling accounts of how the gunmen stormed the church without warning, causing panic as worshippers scrambled for safety.
Eighty-year-old Alice Afariogun, who narrowly escaped being taken, said she was attacked and beaten by the assailants.
“We were in church when they came. Everyone ran, but I couldn’t because of my age. They dragged me on the ground and hit me with their guns,” she said.
She watched helplessly as her husband was taken away, despite her desperate pleas. The attackers later abandoned her due to her condition, leaving her injured inside the church.
Another survivor, Felicia Afariogun, said she fell while trying to escape and was caught by one of the attackers, who beat her and took her belongings before leaving her behind.
For some families, the pain is even deeper. Omolola Daramola broke down in tears as she spoke about the abduction of both her parents.
“They have taken my father and mother. Please, someone should help us,” she cried.
A church member, Afariogun Sunday Stephen, said he spotted suspicious men approaching from the bush and raised the alarm, giving many worshippers a chance to escape.
“We were singing when I saw them coming. I shouted ‘bandits!’ and people started running. That helped many to escape,” he said.
He explained that the church’s multiple exits prevented the attackers from trapping everyone, although they fired shots to scare fleeing worshippers. Those unable to run, especially the elderly, were taken.
According to him, at least eight people remain in captivity after some victims either escaped or were released, including an infant that was abandoned by the attackers.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern, with the Kwara State Government condemning the attack and stating that security agencies were working to rescue victims and apprehend those responsible.
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However, some community members disputed claims that victims were rescued, insisting that those freed were released by the attackers themselves.
The traditional ruler of the community, Oba David Adeboye Odeyemi, called for urgent intervention, stressing that local vigilantes lack the weapons needed to confront the bandits.
“Our people are ready to defend themselves, but they don’t have the equipment to face these criminals,” he said.
As fear continues to spread, residents say their biggest concern is not just the return of those kidnapped, but the assurance that they can live and worship safely again. For now, Omugo stands as a silent reminder of the growing insecurity affecting rural communities across Nigeria.
