By DAYO ADESULU
Kwara State, Nigeria – [22 March 2026] – The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Kwara State has confirmed that eight of its members, including the wife of a pastor, were abducted during a Sunday service. The shocking incident occurred at the church’s local parish in the early hours of the service, leaving the congregation in panic.
Armed Attack During Worship Service
According to eyewitnesses, a group of armed assailants stormed the church premises while members were engaged in morning prayers. The attackers reportedly overpowered security personnel, forcibly abducting eight individuals before fleeing the scene. The incident has sparked fear among local residents and churchgoers, raising concerns about safety in places of worship.
“The assailants came in quickly, brandishing weapons, and demanded that certain members be handed over. In the chaos, they abducted eight people, including the pastor’s wife,” a congregation member who witnessed the attack told reporters.
Victims Include Pastor’s Wife
The church authorities confirmed that the victims include both men and women, with the pastor’s wife among those taken. Efforts to reach the victims’ families for comment have been met with anxiety and fear, as the families await information from security agencies.
Rev. Samuel Adeyemi, the presiding pastor of the Kwara ECWA parish, expressed shock and urged calm among congregants. “This is a tragic day for our church community. We are coordinating with security agencies and praying for the safe release of our members,” he said.
Security Agencies Launch Investigation
Following the abduction, the Kwara State Police Command immediately dispatched personnel to the scene and launched an investigation. State police spokesperson, CSP Mustapha Balogun, confirmed the deployment of tactical units to track and rescue the abducted members.
“Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure the victims are released safely. We urge anyone with information about the suspects to come forward immediately,” CSP Balogun said.
Rising Concerns Over Church Security
This incident highlights growing security challenges for religious institutions in Nigeria, particularly in regions where armed groups and kidnappers have increasingly targeted civilians. Experts warn that such attacks not only threaten lives but also disrupt communal harmony and religious practices.
Dr. Adebayo Oladipo, a security analyst in Ilorin, noted, “Churches and other places of worship are often soft targets. It is crucial for both the government and religious bodies to strengthen security measures to prevent such tragic incidents.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Religious leaders and local authorities in Kwara State have appealed to the public and security agencies for vigilance and cooperation. Community leaders are urging members to report suspicious activities and maintain unity as efforts continue to secure the release of those abducted.
The ECWA church abduction comes amid a broader national conversation on security in public spaces, particularly religious centers. This incident has reignited debates over government strategies to curb kidnapping and ensure the safety of worshippers across Nigeria.
The identities of the abducted members are being withheld for security reasons, while negotiations and rescue operations are ongoing. The church has urged Nigerians to join them in prayer and support for the safe return of their members.
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