Five worshippers kidnapped in Kwara feared dead

Five worshippers from an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Kwara State are feared dead after being kidnapped. This news comes from a report by The PUNCH.

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

Sources close to the situation told The PUNCH that news about the deaths came after one of the captives managed to escape from where they were held.

The report said the families of the victims have already been informed, but details about how the five died 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 deceased victims have been named as David Omopariola, Joseph Afariogun, Iyabo Aniyi, Joshua Adeyemi, and Rachel Omole, who is the wife of Pastor Omole.

When asked about this, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, said they had not received any reports 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 said.

Details of the church attack

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the worshippers were taken by armed men during a church service on March 22. Eyewitnesses said the attackers shot into the air to cause panic before forcing worshippers into a nearby forest.

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

Family members of the victims said the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release. Though negotiations led to a reduced amount, family members reportedly paid about N20 million along with food and drinks, yet the victims were still not released.

Wider security issues

This incident highlights the growing insecurity in Kwara State. PREMIUM TIMES has reported on several kidnappings, attacks on worshippers, and raids on rural communities in areas like Kaiama, Baruten, Edu, Ifelodun, and Ekiti.

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

Authorities have increased security operations in vulnerable areas, while residents continue to demand stronger action to address the worsening security situation in the state.