Five worshippers kidnapped during an attack on ECWA Church in Omugo have died in captivity. The abductions occurred on March 22, 2026, when armed gunmen raided the church during Sunday service in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Rev. Timothy Omole, the church's minister, broke the tragic news to his congregation via WhatsApp.
He confirmed the deaths to Daily Trust in a telephone conversation Wednesday night.
Among the deceased was Mrs Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole, the pastor's own wife. The other victims were Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, and Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi.
The pastor described his anguish in measured words. "It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform you that out of eight people that were abducted from ECWA Omugo on the 22nd of March, 2026, only three are still with the kidnappers," he said.
He added that "the remaining five have been with the Lord." The clergyman requested prayers for the bereaved families and church members.
Intelligence about the deaths came from an escapee. Mr Sunday Bakare, one of the captives, managed to flee after spending more than a month with his abductors.
Bakare informed church leaders that five prisoners had perished while three remained in captivity. According to reports, some victims were on medication but were denied access to their drugs by kidnappers.
Families of the victims had received word of the deaths earlier, though details about how the captives died remain unclear. Sources close to negotiations revealed that relatives weren't informed immediately after each death.
When gunmen attacked the church that Sunday, they fired weapons indiscriminately. Eight worshippers were dragged into a nearby forest before anyone could organize resistance.
Initially, the abductors demanded ₦1 billion in ransom. This figure was later reduced to ₦150 million during talks with the pastor.
Desperate relatives pooled resources to save their loved ones. They eventually gathered about ₦20 million and provided food items and supplies the kidnappers requested.
The money and goods were delivered to the abductors. They accepted everything but refused to release any of the captives in return.
Three worshippers remain unaccounted for and are believed held by their abductors. Community members and church officials continue awaiting news of their whereabouts.
