•Terrorists
Five worshippers abducted during an attack on ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have died in captivity.
The church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, informed the congregation about the tragic development in a message to the church’s WhatsApp platform.
He, however, confirmed the development to our correspondent in a telephone chat last night, reports Daily Trust.
Among those killed was the pastor’s wife, Mrs Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.
The victims were among eight worshippers kidnapped when armed men invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
According to Rev. Omole, the news left him heartbroken.
“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, adding that “The remaining five have been with the Lord.”
The Clergy listed the deceased as “Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi and Mrs Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole, his wife.”
“God to console their immediate family and the church at large.”
Rev. Omole said the information was relayed by Mr Sunday Bakare, one of the abductees, who escaped from captivity after spending more than a month with the kidnappers.
According to him, Bakare informed the church that five of the abductees had died while three others remain in captivity.
Some of the victims, it was gathered, were on medication but were allegedly denied access to their drugs by their captors.
Sources familiar with the negotiations had earlier disclosed that families of the victims were informed of the deaths, although details surrounding the circumstances remained unclear.
The attack occurred on March 22 when gunmen stormed the church during worship, shooting sporadically and forcing congregants to flee before whisking away eight worshippers into a nearby forest.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded ₦1 billion ransom, an amount that the pastor confirmed was reduced to N150 million during negotiations.
Sources had told our correspondent that relatives of the victims eventually raised about ₦20 million and also provided food items and other supplies allegedly requested by the abductors in a bid to secure their release.
Despite the efforts, the kidnappers reportedly collected the money and supplies but refused to release the victims.
Three of the abducted worshippers are still believed to be in captivity.
