Residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly fled their homes following a spate of violent bandit attacks.
The once-thriving settlement now resembles a ghost town, with only a few domestic animals left behind, DAILY POST gathered.
The latest raid targeted the Omugo ECWA Church via Oro-Ago, resulting in the abduction of eight worshippers, including the pastor’s wife.
Three of the captives reportedly managed to escape, while the remaining victims were held for a ransom of N1 billion. Efforts by the community to raise N1 million were rebuffed by the kidnappers.
In a related incident last week, bandits stormed Oro-Ago, killing a vigilante identified as Baba Ibeji and injuring his younger brother, Ajere.
The assailants also looted a Point of Sale (PoS) shop located opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) divisional office, and fired shots at the facility, though no casualties were reported.
Earlier attacks in the area included an ambush on a convoy between Oro-Ago and Oke-Ayan in Ilere district, where two local hunters providing escort were killed.
Heightened tension returned to Oro-Ago on Saturday after security alerts suggested that bandits were regrouping for further attacks. All security agencies in the area were reportedly placed on “Red Alert” to prevent a recurrence.
Efforts to obtain an official response from relevant authorities regarding the latest attacks were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.