Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
A pastor of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has confirmed that his wife and several other worshippers remain in captivity despite the payment of ₦20 million ransom and additional supplies to the abductors.
The incident stems from a church attack that occurred on 22 March 2026, when armed men stormed the ECWA church during a service and abducted worshippers after firing shots to disperse the congregation. Official accounts indicate that multiple victims were taken during the raid, including the pastor’s wife and elderly church members.
According to the pastor, Sunday Omole, the abductors initially demanded a large ransom before negotiations reduced the figure, leading families to raise about ₦20 million alongside food items such as rice, oil, and other supplies requested by the kidnappers. However, despite the payment, the victims were not released.
The pastor stated that after receiving the ransom, the abductors continued communication with families and later increased their demands significantly, reportedly asking for an additional ₦300 million for the release of remaining captives.
Security reports and community accounts indicate that a total of eight worshippers were originally abducted during the attack, and some victims were later rescued during early response operations by security forces. However, several others, including the pastor’s wife, remain in captivity as negotiations continue.
The attack is part of a broader pattern of armed kidnapping incidents affecting parts of Kwara State and neighbouring forest corridors linking Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States. These areas have repeatedly been identified by security agencies as operational routes used by armed groups for abductions and movement between states.
In similar incidents documented in the region, kidnappers have been known to adjust ransom demands after partial payments or prolonged negotiations, sometimes delaying or refusing release of hostages even after receiving funds or supplies. Security analysts note that this tactic is commonly used to extract additional money from affected families.
Authorities have previously deployed combined police, military, and local vigilante operations in response to such attacks, with varying levels of success in rescuing victims. In this case, however, no official update has confirmed the full rescue of all abducted worshippers.
Residents of Omugo community have been significantly affected by repeated insecurity incidents, with reports of displacement, suspension of church activities, and reduced movement across surrounding areas due to fear of further attacks.
As of the latest available information, the abductors have not released the remaining victims, and negotiations between families and the armed group are believed to be ongoing under uncertain conditions.
Stone Reporters note that while ransom payments are often made in kidnapping cases in parts of Nigeria, outcomes vary significantly, and official confirmation of victim release is required before such cases can be concluded in reporting terms.
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