Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Three female worshippers abducted during the March 22, 2026 attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity, bringing a bittersweet end to a months-long ordeal that left five of their fellow congregants dead and a community shattered. The women were rescued on Monday, July 6, 2026, by a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilantes following sustained security operations targeting criminal hideouts along the Kwara-Kogi border.
The victims, including a hearing-impaired widow and mother of seven, Mosunmola Adekunle, were among eight worshippers kidnapped when heavily armed gunmen invaded the ECWA Church during a Sunday worship service on March 22, 2026, firing sporadically to create panic before marching congregants into a nearby forest. The attack, which occurred less than two kilometres from a military base, sparked widespread outrage and plunged the Omugo community into mourning and uncertainty.
According to reports, the abductors initially demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom for the release of the victims. The demand was later reduced to N150 million during negotiations, but the families and community members were unable to raise such a huge amount. Desperate to secure the captives' freedom, the community reportedly raised about N20 million and provided food items and other supplies demanded by the kidnappers. The suspects, however, refused to release the victims despite the payments.
In early June, one of the captives, Sunday Bakare, escaped and returned to the community with devastating news: five of the abducted worshippers had been killed in captivity. The deceased were identified as Elder David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole, the wife of the church's presiding pastor, Rev. Timothy Omole. Their deaths left painful scars on the community.
On July 8, 2026, the remaining three captives, all women, including the hearing-impaired widow, were finally rescued. Security forces reportedly found them in an unconscious state, suffering from trauma, malnutrition, and exhaustion. They are currently receiving medical treatment.
Confirming the development, the President of the Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, described the day as one of "mixed emotions" for the community. While celebrating the return of the three women to their families, Thompson said the community remained heartbroken over the five worshippers who lost their lives. "Today, 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," he said. "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. Their untimely deaths have left painful scars on our hearts and a void that can never truly be filled."
The community leader extended condolences to the bereaved families, the ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community, praying for divine comfort for those affected by the tragedy. He also thanked the security agencies for their efforts and paid tribute to the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo, and members of the traditional council for providing leadership and support throughout the ordeal. Thompson equally appreciated the sons and daughters of the community at home and in the diaspora for their financial support, prayers, and solidarity during the 105-day crisis.
He urged residents who had fled the community over insecurity to return home, assuring them that measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property. Thompson also called on members of the community to sustain the unity demonstrated during the crisis and continue supporting efforts aimed at rebuilding and developing Omugo.
The rescue marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and restore peace across affected communities in Kwara State. However, the tragedy of the five victims who never returned serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of the kidnapping scourge that has continued to plague communities across Nigeria.
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