ECWA raises alarm over rising kidnappings, killings in Kwara South
ECWA Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity in Kwara South
Kwara State — The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) is sounding the alarm over escalating violence in the Kwara South Senatorial District, specifically citing an increase in kidnappings and murders among local communities.
In a statement released following a recent attack in the village of Oyatedo, the church reported that suspected kidnappers killed one of its members, Omoniyi Ajise, and abducted his wife along with four other residents. This incident occurred on Wednesday while ECWA district leaders were convened for a security meeting in nearby Omu-Aran.
The communiqué, issued by Samuel Adewumi, Chairman of the ECWA Joint District Church Councils Forum, and Joseph Agboluaje, Secretary, highlighted the deteriorating security situation. They noted that two elderly residents, identified as Dada and Ishola, had previously been abducted in Ahun village but were released due to their age.
The church representatives cited a troubling trend of frequent kidnappings and attacks in rural areas, specifically mentioning the impact on agricultural activities during the critical cashew harvesting season. “Many farmers have abandoned their farms for fear of attacks, and communities now live under constant threat from criminal groups,” the communiqué stated.
As insecurity rises, several ECWA churches in affected regions have shut down, and many clergy have fled their homes in search of safety. The communiqué emphasized that numerous pastors are now without congregations, contributing to widespread disruption of economic activities and hardship for families in the area.
ECWA has called on both the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to enhance security operations in these affected locales to safeguard lives and property.
In response to the church’s concerns, Superintendent of Police Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, stated that the command had not received formal reports regarding the incidents detailed by ECWA.
