Panic erupted in Omugo community after gunmen attacked a Sunday service at the Evangelical Church Winning All, where worshippers had gathered.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the church and fired shots indiscriminately, causing chaos as members of the congregation fled in different directions to escape.
During the attack, eight worshippers were reportedly abducted by the gunmen.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, three of the kidnapped victims managed to escape from their captors, while five others remain in captivity.
The incident comes months after a similar attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, where worshippers were targeted during a service before later regaining their freedom.
Confirming the development, the Kwara State Government described the attack as disturbing and strongly condemned the targeting of a place of worship.
The government urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
It also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, community members, and local vigilante groups to address the rising threat of criminal activities in the area.
According to the government, ongoing operations, including forest combing exercises, have recorded some progress in reducing crime in affected communities.
