Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministries, has been forced to flee his camp in Idofian, Kwara State, after a threat from bandits prompted the evacuation of over 100 vulnerable residents, including children referred by the government. The camp, which also ran a primary school, a secondary school, and a hospital, has remained empty since the evacuation. Omolehin says he and his family have had nowhere settled to stay, and are currently in hiding.
The crisis began on May 30, when police arrived at the facility and ordered an immediate evacuation, warning of an imminent attack. Omolehin was away at the time, and more than 100 residents fled into the dark. Bandits did arrive at the camp shortly after but found it empty. Omolehin says he has appealed to authorities to confirm when it is safe to return, but has received no response.
Omolehin's church camp has, for years, been a shelter for orphaned children referred by the government, elderly residents with no one to care for them, and mentally challenged women rescued off the streets along with their children. The camp provided a safe haven for those in need, but is now lying vacant. Omolehin says he has written to the police, the Department of State Services, and the Kwara State Ministry of Social Welfare, asking for an update on the safety of the camp.
The threat from bandits has not been limited to Kwara State. Omolehin says his hometown in Kogi State was attacked three days after the camp evacuation, and that people there were killed. He drew a distinction between the bandits and a separate wave of theft that hit the abandoned camp afterwards, with looters stripping the facility of belongings.
Omolehin expressed concern for the children who were entrusted to his care by the government. He says some of the children in the orphanage were brought to him by the government, and appealed for authorities to take responsibility for their safety. The evacuation has left over a hundred children out of class, with schools sitting empty.
The situation has left Omolehin and his family in a difficult situation. He says he has a house he can't enter, a car he can't ride, and has to hide himself from the public. Omolehin described himself as homeless with his wife and children, having to move from one place to another.
Omolehin's appeal for help remains unanswered, with authorities yet to respond to his requests for assistance. The future of the camp and the safety of its former residents remain uncertain, with Omolehin calling on the government to act on its responsibility towards the children it placed in his care.
Key points
- Pastor Isaac Omolehin's camp in Kwara State was evacuated after police warned of an imminent bandit attack.
- The camp housed over 100 vulnerable residents, including children referred by the government.
- Omolehin and his family are currently in hiding, with no settled place to stay.
