Five kidnapped worshippers in Kwara State believed dead

Five worshippers taken from an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Kwara State are believed to be dead in captivity, according to a report by The PUNCH.

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

Sources close to the situation told The PUNCH that news about the deaths came after one of the captives managed to escape from the kidnappers’ hideout.

The report stated that the families of the victims had been informed about the situation, but the details surrounding the alleged 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 victims as David Omopariola, Joseph Afariogun, Iyabo Aniyi, Joshua Adeyemi, and Rachel Omole, who is the wife of Pastor Omole.

When reached for comment, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said they 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 do my findings,” she stated.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the worshippers were taken by armed men while at the church during a service on 22 March.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers fired shots to create fear before forcing worshippers into a nearby forest.

Police later confirmed that many of those abducted were elderly worshippers, with some reportedly over 70 years old.

Family members of the victims revealed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.

Although negotiations reportedly lowered the amount, and families allegedly paid about N20 million along with food and drinks, the victims were not freed.

This situation comes as insecurity rises in parts of Kwara State.

PREMIUM TIMES has reported several kidnappings, attacks on worshippers, raids on rural communities, and assaults on traditional institutions 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, abducting several individuals.

Less than 48 hours later, suspected terrorists raided Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, taking members of the emir’s family and other residents.

Authorities have since stepped up security operations in vulnerable communities, while residents continue to ask for stronger actions to address the worsening security situation in the state.