Omugo community rejoices as abducted worshippers return home

Families and members of the Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have celebrated the return of three worshippers from the Evangelical Church Winning All. They regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.

The three women, including a deaf widow, were part of eight worshippers kidnapped by suspected criminals during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.

While five of the victims reportedly died in captivity, the three women were freed following a security operation against the kidnappers in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.

In a statement on Tuesday, Oladimeji Thompson, the President of the Omugo Development Union, called the return of the three women a moment of "mixed emotions." He said the community was happy about their freedom but sad for those who lost their lives.

He said, "With grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families.

"Indeed, God has once again shown that He hears and answers the prayers of His people. To Him alone be all the glory."

Thompson reflected on the ordeal, saying the attack on the church was one of the darkest times for Omugo. He noted that the community endured 105 days filled with fear, anxiety, and constant prayers, hoping for the safe return of the victims.

"For 105 painful days, our community lived in fear, anxiety, uncertainty and unceasing prayers. Yet, we never gave up hope. We trusted in God, stood together as one people and believed that He would make a way where there seemed to be none," he said.

The community leader also remembered the five worshippers who died in the hands of the kidnappers. He called their deaths a painful loss that will never be forgotten.

"Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den," Thompson said.

"On behalf of the Omugo Development Union, I extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community. May the Almighty God comfort every grieving family and grant eternal rest to the souls of our departed brothers and sisters," he added.

Thompson thanked security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, and local vigilante groups for their part in securing the victims' release.

"We sincerely appreciate the government at all levels, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups, and all security personnel whose courage, professionalism, and relentless efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the remaining captives," he said.

He also praised the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo, and the Council of Chiefs for their leadership during this tough time. He thanked the sons and daughters of Omugo, both at home and abroad, for their support, prayers, and solidarity.

Thompson called for unity and encouraged those displaced to return home. He assured them that measures were in place to protect lives and property.

"I also encourage you all to return home, as all arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of lives and property in our community," he stated.

Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said the victims were released after pressure was put on the kidnappers during a coordinated operation along the Kwara-Kogi border.

"A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising the military, police, hunters, and vigilante groups, has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border," the group said.

They added, "The relieving news came in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families."

The pastor-in-charge of the church, Rev. Sunday Omole, confirmed the return of the worshippers. He said the church welcomed the three women and asked for prayers for their recovery.

"With great joy in my heart, I announce that we already received back three of the eight people kidnapped from ECWA Omugo this afternoon. Join us as we pray for their quick recovery in Jesus’ name, amen," Omole said.

Attempts to get an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and a text message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not answered as of the time of this report.