The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has raised the alarm over a surge in kidnappings and killings in Kwara State

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has raised the alarm over a surge in kidnappings and killings in Kwara State following an attack that claimed the life of one of its members and resulted in the abduction of five others. The incident occurred in Oyatedo village in Irepodun Local Government Area during a period when ECWA district council leaders from across the state were meeting to discuss security concerns. The church expressed deep concern about the frequency and brutality of these attacks, highlighting the growing threat to rural residents’ daily lives.

The victim who was killed has been identified as Omoniyi Ajise, an ECWA member, while his wife and four other community residents were reportedly abducted during the attack. Church officials noted that this incident follows other abductions in nearby areas, including Ahun village, where two elderly residents were previously taken and later released.

Leaders from Ilorin, Omu-Aran, Igbaja, Oro-Ago, and Fate-Tanke assemblies convened in Omu-Aran to discuss the escalating security crisis. The church stated that the rising insecurity has threatened lives and livelihoods, forcing some congregations to temporarily close churches and relocate members for safety.

The region has seen a pattern of violent abductions and armed attacks in recent months. Bandits and armed groups have targeted residents in remote settlements, causing deaths and widespread fear. Reports indicate that multiple abductions have occurred in communities such as Kakafu in Patigi Local Government Area and in Ahun and Oro-Ago, where coordinated raids led to dozens of residents being kidnapped and ransoms demanded.

In February, hundreds of militants attacked villages in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing scores of residents and abducting dozens more in one of the deadliest attacks in the state’s recent history. Analysts and local leaders warn that dense forests and rural border regions are being used as operational bases by criminal gangs, allowing them to conduct frequent raids and evade security forces. These groups often target farmers, churchgoers, and villagers in isolated areas, causing fear and displacement.

ECWA leaders have called on state and federal authorities to strengthen security operations, increase patrols in vulnerable areas, and work closely with community vigilantes and residents to prevent further loss of life and abductions. They have also urged for improved intelligence gathering and resource deployment to protect rural communities most affected by criminal activity.

The attack that claimed the life of an ECWA member and resulted in five abductions highlights the escalating insecurity in central Nigeria, where armed kidnappings continue to pose serious threats to social stability and rural livelihoods.

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