Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministries in Ilorin, Nigeria, and over 100 residents have been forced to abandon a church camp in Idofian, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, due to a security threat from kidnappers. The camp, which serves as a community hub, houses various social-care facilities, including schools, a hospital, an orphanage, and a rehabilitation centre.
According to Omolehin, the incident occurred on May 30-31, when police officers arrived at the camp in the middle of the night, warning residents of an impending attack by kidnappers. The warning led to an immediate evacuation, leaving the entire facility deserted. Omolehin was not at the camp during the evacuation and said the suspected kidnappers subsequently came but found no one there.
Since the evacuation, Omolehin and his family have been moving between locations due to fears for their safety. He described himself as "homeless" with his wife and children, unable to return to his home or use his car. The displacement has affected not only his immediate family but also over 100 people who lived or worked at the camp.
The camp's closure has paralysed its facilities, disrupting education, healthcare, child welfare, and rehabilitation services. Pupils are unable to attend classes, and patients are unable to receive medical care. With schools resuming, over 100 children at the camp require access to education, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Omolehin linked the Kwara incident to an attack on his village in Kogi State three days later, alleging that some members of his community were killed. He expressed concern that the absence of a clear security assurance has left the displaced residents uncertain about when they can safely return to their homes and responsibilities.
Although the suspected kidnappers did not destroy the structures at the camp, criminals have begun breaking into the abandoned facility and stealing property since the evacuation. Omolehin clarified that the kidnappers' intention was to target human beings, not property.
Omolehin appealed to the Federal Government and Kwara State Government to strengthen security around the camp, enabling the displaced residents to return. His major concern is the fate of the children living at the facility, particularly those whose care was entrusted to the organisation by the government.
Key points
- The displacement has disrupted essential social services, including education, healthcare, and child welfare.
- Omolehin's camp serves as a community hub, housing various social-care facilities.
- The incident highlights the wider security challenges confronting rural communities and institutions providing essential social services.
