Five worshippers abducted from an ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, have died in captivity, the church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, told members on Wednesday.
The victims were among eight people taken when gunmen stormed ECWA Omugo during Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
Rev. Omole confirmed the deaths in a phone interview with Daily Trust and in a message on the church WhatsApp group.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform you that out of eight people that were abducted from ECWA Omugo on the 22nd of March, 2026, only three are still with the kidnappers.”
He listed the dead as Elder Chief David Omopariola; Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun; Mrs Iyabo Aniyi; Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi; and Mrs Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole, the pastor’s wife.
“The remaining five have been with the Lord.”
Rev. Omole said the information came from Mr Sunday Bakare, an abductee who escaped after more than a month in captivity.
Bakare told the congregation that five abductees had died and that three others remained held by the kidnappers.
Abduction, Ransom Talks And Medical Concerns
The March 22 attack began when armed men opened fire inside the church, forcing worshippers to flee before abducting eight people into nearby forested areas.
Kidnappers initially demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, the pastor said; negotiators later reported the figure was reduced to ₦150 million.
Relatives and community members reportedly raised about ₦20 million and delivered food and supplies the captors requested.
However, sources said the kidnappers collected the funds and supplies and still refused to release the victims.
Some abductees were reportedly on medication in captivity but were denied access to their drugs, a development families say affected their health.
Current Status And Next Steps
Three of the original eight remain believed to be in captivity, according to Rev. Omole.
Details on when and how the five died remain unclear; families and church leaders said they have been informed but did not provide forensic or official security confirmations.
Rev. Omole prayed for comfort for the bereaved families and the ECWA Omugo congregation.
Security agencies have recorded the abduction and are expected to continue investigations, though the church and relatives say they have not received public updates on rescue progress.
This incident adds to rising attacks on houses of worship and rising kidnappings in parts of Nigeria, deepening fears among faith communities and local residents.
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