Five abducted worshippers from Kwara church feared dead

Five worshippers taken from an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Kwara State are feared dead. This information was reported by The PUNCH.

The victims were among eight church members kidnapped during an attack on ECWA Church, Omugo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area on 22 March 2026.

According to sources close to the situation, news of the possible deaths came after one of the captives escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout. The PUNCH stated that the families of the victims have been informed, but details about the deaths are still unclear.

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

The report named the deceased as David Omopariola, Joseph Afariogun, Iyabo Aniyi, Joshua Adeyemi and Rachel Omole, who is the wife of Pastor Omole.

When asked for a comment, Kwara State Police Command spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said they had not confirmed any reports of deaths.

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

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the worshippers were taken by armed men during a service on 22 March. Eyewitnesses said the attackers fired shots to scare everyone before forcing them into a nearby forest.

Police later confirmed that many of those abducted were elderly, with some being over 70 years old. Relatives mentioned that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.

Though negotiations reportedly lowered the ransom, family members claimed they paid around N20 million along with some food and drinks, yet the victims were not released.

This situation is happening amid rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State. PREMIUM TIMES has reported on several kidnappings, attacks on worshippers, raids on rural communities, and assaults on traditional leaders in Kaiama, Baruten, Edu, Ifelodun and Ekiti local government areas.

On 24 May, gunmen attacked worshippers during a night vigil in Ekiti Local Government Area, taking several people. Less than 48 hours later, suspected terrorists attacked Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, abducting members of the emir’s family and other residents.

Authorities have increased security operations in vulnerable areas, while residents are calling for stronger steps to address the growing security issues in the state.