Against the security challenges confronting Nigeria, the ECWA Joint District Church Councils DCCs Forum in Kwara State has called on the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and all relevant security agencies to urgently rise to the challenge and take decisive action to restore peace and security in the affected areas.
In a Communique issued at the end of its meeting held on Wednesday at
ECWA Omu Aran District Church Council Secretariat, Wokowomun in Irepodun LGA of Kwara State to deliberate on matters affecting the Church and the general wellbeing of Communities within its coverage areas, the Church noted that the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government, and that Communities must not be left vulnerable to continued attacks.
The Communique signed by ECWA Joint DCCs Forum, Kwara State Chairman, Reverend Samuel O. Adewumi and Secretary, Reverend Dr. Joseph O. Agboluaje ECWA Churches raised alarm over rising Kidnappings and the deteriorating security situation in Kwara South and its environs.
The Church urged the authorities to deploy adequate security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering, and implement proactive measures that will curb the rising wave of kidnapping, killings, and other criminal activities in Kwara South and neighbouring Communities.
The ECWA Joint District Church Councils (DCCs) Forum in Kwara State, comprising Ilorin DCC, Omu-Aran DCC, Igbaja DCC, Oro-Ago DCC, and Fate-Tanke DCC, and represents ECWA churches across several Local Government Areas in Kwara State and also extends to neighbouring communities in Niger, Osun, and Ekiti States.
“During the meeting, where leaders from the five District Church Councils were fully represented, the Forum expressed deep concern and strong condemnation of the worsening security challenges confronting communities in Kwara South and other parts of the state” it added.
The situation it noted had reached an alarming level, threatening the lives, livelihoods, and freedom of its members and the general public.
The Communique explained that while the meeting was in progress, the Forum received disturbing news of a fresh attack in Oyatedo, where an ECWA member, Mr. Omoniyi Ajise, was allegedly brutally killed, while his wife and four other persons were abducted by suspected kidnappers.
The body stressed that the tragic incident adds to the growing list of attacks that have become frequent occurrences in Communities around Oro-Ago, Babanla, and other surrounding areas.
“Reports also indicated that Mr. Dada and Mr. Ishola from Ahun, both elderly men, were among those initially kidnapped. However, according to the account given by one of the elderly victims, they were later released after the kidnappers discovered their advanced age” it noted.
The Forum noted with great concern that such incidents have now become a daily occurrence in many communities across the area.
The body explained that it is particularly worrisome that this period marks the cashew harvesting season, which is a major source of livelihood for many villagers. Unfortunately, many farmers can no longer access their farms due to fear of attacks, leaving residents feeling helpless and at the mercy of criminals.
The Forum further observed with great sadness that this persistent insecurity has forced the closure of several ECWA Local Churches in affected communities as many pastors are now without congregations, while members and residents have been compelled to flee their homes in search of safety.
The Church added that economic activities have been severely disrupted, and many families—both church members and non-members—have been pushed into extreme hardship and poverty.
It lamented that what used to be abnormal has now sadly become normal, as lives are daily threatened and lost, while communities continue to live under fear and uncertainty.
“As a spiritual body committed to peace and national development, the Church pledges its continued support through prayers, moral guidance, and spiritual fervency for our leaders and security agencies as they work to address these challenges.
The ECWA Church in Kwara State remains committed to promoting peace, unity, and the wellbeing of our communities, and we pray that God will grant wisdom and strength to those entrusted with the responsibility of securing our land” it concluded.