Five abducted Kwara worshippers feared dead in captivity

Fresh concerns have emerged over the fate of worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in the Omugo area of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, following reports that five of the victims may have died in captivity.

 

The victims were among eight worshippers kidnapped by gunmen during an attack on the church on March 22, 2026.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said information about the alleged deaths was relayed by one of the captives who reportedly escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout.

 

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said families of the affected victims had been informed.

 

According to the source, the wife of the church minister, Pastor Omole, is among those feared dead.

 

“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform you that out of the eight people abducted from ECWA Omugo on March 22, 2026, only three are still with the kidnappers. The remaining five have gone to be with the Lord,” the source said.

 

The victims reportedly feared dead were identified as Elder David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi and Mrs Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole.

 

“May God console their immediate families and the church at large,” the source added.

 

The circumstances surrounding the alleged deaths remain unclear, and details of where or how the victims reportedly died could not be independently verified.

 

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command had not received any report confirming the deaths.

 

“The command is not aware of such an incident, especially relating to the abductees being killed. Nonetheless, I will make further inquiries,” she said.

 

The worshippers were abducted on March 22 when armed men stormed the ECWA church during a service, reportedly firing sporadically before forcing congregants into a nearby forest.

 

Police authorities had earlier confirmed that most of the victims were elderly persons aged about 70 years.

 

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion, which was later reduced during negotiations. Reports indicated that relatives eventually paid N20 million, along with food items and drinks, but the victims were not released.

 

Security agencies had earlier assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abductees and apprehend those responsible for the attack.