Tragedy has struck the Christian community in Kwara State as five worshippers abducted during an armed attack on an ECWA church in Omugo, Oro-Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, have reportedly died while in captivity.
The victims were among eight congregants kidnapped on March 22, 2026, when heavily armed men invaded the church during a Sunday worship service, firing gunshots and forcing worshippers into a nearby forest.
The heartbreaking development was confirmed by the church minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, who disclosed that only three of the abducted worshippers are believed to be alive and still in the custody of their captors.
According to the cleric, details of the deaths emerged through one of the abductees, Mr. Sunday Bakare, who reportedly escaped after spending more than a month in captivity.
Among those confirmed dead is Rev. Omole’s wife, Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole. Others identified as having died in captivity are Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, and Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi.
Rev. Omole described the loss as devastating, saying the church and affected families have been plunged into deep mourning.
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“This is a painful and heartbreaking moment for our church community. We continue to pray for the souls of the departed and for the safe return of those still being held,” he said.
The fate of the remaining three abducted worshippers remains uncertain, heightening anxiety among relatives and members of the church.
Sources familiar with the incident said some of the victims had underlying health conditions and were reportedly denied access to medication while in captivity, a factor believed to have contributed to the tragedy.
The kidnapping had sparked widespread concern after the abductors allegedly demanded an initial ransom of N1 billion, later reducing it to N150 million during negotiations.
Family members and sympathisers were said to have raised about N20 million, along with food items and other supplies requested by the kidnappers.
Despite receiving the money and supplies, the abductors reportedly failed to release the victims.
The incident has renewed concerns over growing insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural communities where residents have repeatedly complained about attacks by armed groups.
Community leaders and residents have called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure vulnerable communities, worship centres and farmlands across the state.
As the church mourns its dead, families of the remaining abductees continue to hope for their safe rescue, while residents await further updates from security agencies on efforts to secure their release and bring the perpetrators to justice.