Sunday Afariogun, a member of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo, has recounted the terrifying moments when suspected bandits stormed a church service and abducted worshippers, forcing congregants to flee for safety amid gunfire.
Afariogun shared his experience during an interview from 1:30 on News Central TV, on Wednesday, 10 June, 2026, while describing how the attack unfolded during a worship session. The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the growing insecurity affecting rural communities and places of worship.
According to him, the congregation was engaged in prayers and worship when he noticed armed men emerging from a nearby cashew plantation. Their appearance immediately signaled danger and triggered panic among those present.
“I could see bandits coming out from that side inside that cashew plantation. The one that led them wore green mask with navy blue top. They were running and I could see at the back about 2 or 3 running after him and I shouted ‘Bandits, run’. As I was running out, some people followed me and they were shooting at our back,” Afariogun said.
The church member explained that upon spotting the attackers, he quickly raised an alarm to alert fellow worshippers. His warning prompted several people to flee the church premises in an attempt to escape the advancing gunmen.
However, the attackers reportedly opened fire as worshippers ran for safety, creating a chaotic scene around the church. The gunshots heightened fear among those present, with many scrambling for cover while others sought routes to escape the assailants.