Five worshippers abducted during an attack on an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Kwara State have reportedly died while in captivity, according to information provided by an escapee.
Among those said to have died is the wife of the church minister, Pastor Omole. The development was reportedly disclosed by one of the kidnapped victims who recently escaped from the abductors’ hideout.
Sources familiar with the incident said reports from the kidnappers’ camp indicated that five of the abductees lost their lives after spending several weeks in captivity. The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear.
According to the sources, the affected families have already been informed of the tragic development.
“The sad news has been communicated to the families of the deceased,” a source said, adding that Pastor Omole’s wife was among those reported dead.
The report has plunged the Omugo community and ECWA members into mourning as relatives await official confirmation from security agencies.
The victims were abducted on March 22, 2026, when armed men stormed the ECWA church during a worship service in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. Witnesses said the attackers fired gunshots into the air before forcing several worshippers into a nearby forest.
The attack left the community deserted, with many residents fleeing to safer locations amid fears of further violence.
Initial reports indicated that eight worshippers, mostly elderly church members, were kidnapped during the incident. Police later confirmed that most of the victims were over 70 years old.
Days after the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the victims’ release. Following negotiations involving families, community leaders, and intermediaries, the demand was reduced, and relatives reportedly paid N20 million along with food items and alcoholic drinks requested by the abductors.
Despite receiving the ransom and supplies, the captors allegedly failed to release the victims.
The reported deaths have heightened concerns over insecurity in Kwara South and the vulnerability of rural communities and places of worship to attacks by armed groups.
Residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged captivity of the victims and the inability of security agencies to secure their freedom. Security authorities, however, say efforts are ongoing to rescue any remaining abductees and apprehend those responsible.
As of the time of this report, authorities had not officially confirmed the reported deaths.
