Harry Archie
Five worshippers who were kidnapped during an attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, have died while being held by their captors.
The church pastor, Rev. Timothy Omole, announced the sad news to members through the church’s WhatsApp group and later confirmed it in a telephone interview with newsmen on Wednesday night.
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One of those who died was the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.
The victims were among eight worshippers kidnapped when gunmen attacked the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
Speaking about the incident, Rev. Omole said he was deeply saddened by the loss.
He explained that only three of the eight kidnapped worshippers are still alive and remain in captivity.
The five people who died were identified as Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.
The pastor prayed for God to comfort their families and the church community.
According to Rev. Omole, the information came from Mr. Sunday Bakare, one of the kidnapped victims who escaped after spending more than a month with the kidnappers.
Bakare told the church that five captives had died, while three others were still being held.
Sources said some of the victims had health conditions and were taking medication, but the kidnappers allegedly denied them access to their drugs.
Family members had earlier been informed about the deaths, although the exact circumstances surrounding them remain unclear.
The worshippers were kidnapped on March 22 when armed men invaded the church during a service, fired shots, and forced members to run for safety before taking eight people into a nearby forest.
After the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion.
The amount was later reduced to ₦150 million during negotiations.
Sources said relatives of the victims managed to raise about ₦20 million and also provided food items and other supplies requested by the kidnappers in an effort to secure their release.
However, despite receiving the money and supplies, the kidnappers allegedly refused to release the victims.
Three of the abducted worshippers are still believed to be in captivity.
