Agony, fear as Kwara church attack survivors call for security measures

The quiet Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has been thrown into fear and uncertainty following a recent attack on a Church by armed bandits.

What began as a peaceful Sunday worship at an ECWA Church quickly descended into terror when gunmen stormed the service, abducting several worshippers and leaving behind a traumatised population grappling with grief and anxiety.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of the service, has since disrupted the rhythm of life in the agrarian settlement.

A visit by BusinessDay to Omugo revealed a community still reeling from the shock, as many residents continue to flee their homes, fearing a repeat assault and expressing frustration over what they described as inadequate security presence.

The village now wears a desolate look: rows of locked houses, shuttered shops, and eerily quiet streets give the unsettling impression of a community frozen in time.

The scale of displacement is evident, with many homes left open and deserted. A clear signs that families have abandoned their residences in search of safety.

Further checks revealed a troubling security gap, with no visible presence of security operatives within the community. Only a few personnel were stationed at checkpoints miles away along the road leading into Omugo, leaving residents feeling exposed and unprotected.

For many survivors, memories of the attack remain vivid and deeply unsettling.

Eighty-year-old Alice Afariogun, who narrowly escaped abduction, recounted her ordeal with a mix of pain and disbelief, her body still bearing marks of violence.

“We were inside the church very early in the morning when the bandits attacked us. Everyone ran, but I couldn’t due to my age,” she said.

She explained that the attackers struck without warning, throwing the congregation into confusion as worshippers scrambled in different directions in a desperate bid to escape.

“They captured me where I was sitting and dragged me on the ground. They hit my arm with the butt of a gun and I bled seriously,” she added, her voice trembling.

Alice said she watched helplessly as her husband was dragged away by the assailants despite her plea.

“When I saw my husband being taken away, I shouted and begged them to release him, but they refused and kept beating me,” she said.

According to her, the attackers later abandoned her inside the church after inflicting injuries, apparently deeming her of no value.

“They did not take me into the bush. They left me inside the church after wounding me,” she added, calling on the government to rescue those still in captivity.

Inside the church, dried blood stains on the floor bore chilling testimony to the violence that disrupted what should have been a sacred gathering.

Alice disclosed that the attack occurred shortly after worshippers arrived around 9 a.m., even before tithes and offerings were collected, underscoring its suddenness.

“At least ten people were taken, including my husband. The pastor’s wife was also kidnapped, and we have not seen them since,” she explained.

Another survivor, Felicia Afariogun, recounted how she narrowly escaped capture.

“I was among the women’s choir. While trying to escape, I fell because my legs are not strong,” she said.

She explained that one of the attackers caught up with her, struck her, and seized her bag containing her Bible, phone, keys, and tithe money before leaving her behind.

“I thought they would take me, but he only collected my bag and left me,” she revealed that her belongings were later recovered.

Beyond the physical injuries and material losses, the emotional toll has been devastating.

For Omolola Daramola, the attack has left a deep void, as both her parents were abducted.

“They have taken my father and mother! Somebody please help me.
“I was not in Omugo when it happened. I received a call that my parents had been kidnapped,” she added, appealing to authorities for urgent intervention.

Providing further insight, a church member, Afariogun Sunday Stephen, said the attack occurred between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. while the congregation was deeply engaged in worship.

“We were singing hymns when I noticed suspicious men in green masks and blue attire emerging from the bush and advancing towards the church.

“I shouted ‘bandits, run!’ immediately I saw them. That gave many people the chance to escape,” he stated.

Stephen explained that the structure of the church, with multiple entry and exit points, prevented the attackers from sealing off the premises.

“They tried to take over the main entrance close to the road, but they were too late. People had already started escaping through other exits,” he noted.

He added that the attackers fired gunshots to instil fear, but many continued fleeing into nearby bushes and paths.

“As we were running, they were shooting to scare us, but it didn’t stop people. They went back and took those who could not run, especially the elderly,” he revealed.

According to him, eleven people were initially abducted, including an infant who was later abandoned. Two others escaped, leaving eight persons still in captivity.

“The pastor’s wife was carrying a baby. They later dropped the baby and took her away,” he added.

He identified some of those still in captivity as the pastor’s wife, Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, and Joshua Ajeyemi.

Stephen lamented the rising wave of kidnappings in rural communities, noting that ransom demands are often beyond the means of victims’ families.

“The government needs to act fast. People are being kidnapped and asked to pay money they cannot raise even in years,” he said.

However, a community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “The security personnel came, but our people escaped on their own. The attackers released those they considered of no value, including a baby and two elderly women,” the source said.

According to the source, one elderly woman was released in the bush after becoming too weak, while another was left behind at the church due to injuries.

Oba David Adeboye Odeyemi, Olomugo of Omugo, called for urgent intervention to secure the community.

“Our vigilantes are ready to defend the community, but they lack the sophisticated weapons needed to confront these criminals,” the monarch said.