Five worshippers abducted during an attack on ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have died while in captivity, plunging the community into grief.
The church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, disclosed the development in a message circulated to members via the church’s WhatsApp platform and later confirmed it in a telephone interview.
Among the deceased was the pastor’s wife, Mrs Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.
The victims were part of eight worshippers kidnapped when armed men stormed the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026, shooting sporadically before whisking them into a nearby forest.
Rev. Omole said the news was conveyed by one of the abductees, Mr Sunday Bakare, who reportedly escaped after spending more than a month in captivity.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform you that out of eight people abducted from ECWA Omugo on March 22, only three are still with the kidnappers. The remaining five have gone to be with the Lord,” he said.
The cleric listed the deceased as Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.
He prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and the church community.
According to him, some of the victims were on medication but were allegedly denied access to treatment by their captors during their ordeal.
Sources said families of the victims had earlier been informed of the deaths, although details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear.
The attackers were said to have initially demanded a ransom of ₦1bn, which was later reduced to ₦150m during negotiations. Relatives reportedly raised about ₦20m alongside food items and other supplies requested by the abductors in a bid to secure the victims’ release.
Despite the payments and provisions, the kidnappers were said to have failed to release the captives.
Three of the abducted worshippers are still believed to be in captivity as concern continues to mount over their safety.
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