Gunmen who abducted worshippers during a Sunday service at the Evangelical Church of West Africa in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for their release.
The Pastor-in-Charge, Toba Omole, confirmed that eight members of the congregation, including his wife, remain in captivity days after the attack. He disclosed that the kidnappers made contact with the community on Tuesday, briefly allowing families to speak with the victims before issuing their demand.
“We were able to hear from them this morning. I heard my wife’s voice and those of other members,” Omole said, adding that the ransom is far beyond what the affected families and the rural community can afford. He appealed for urgent government intervention and support from well-meaning Nigerians to facilitate negotiations and secure their release.
The attack, which occurred during a worship session, has significantly disrupted life in Omugo. Many residents have fled their homes amid fears of further violence and what they describe as inadequate security presence. Several houses remain locked, while families continue relocating to safer areas.
In a related development, suspected bandits extended their attacks to nearby Oro-Ago community, where a vigilante commander was killed and another security operative seriously injured. The coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers stormed the area, killing the local vigilante leader and shooting the town’s chief security officer, known as the Olu-òde.
The renewed violence has heightened tension across surrounding communities already unsettled by the earlier abduction. Residents are calling for reinforced security deployment to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the area.
As of the latest updates, the Kwara State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incidents, further deepening concerns over the security situation in the region.
