JUST IN: Five Die in Captivity After Abduction

MOUTHPIECE NGR reports that five worshippers abducted during an attack on an ECWA church in Omugo, Oro Ago District, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, have died in captivity.

The minister of the church, Rev. Timothy Omole, announced the deaths in a message to the church’s WhatsApp group. He confirmed the development to newsmen in a telephone interview Wednesday night.

Among the dead is the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.

The victims were part of a group of eight worshippers kidnapped when armed men invaded the church during Sunday service on March 22, 2026.

“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,” Rev. Omole said. “The remaining five have been with the Lord.”

He listed the deceased as Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.

“God console their immediate family and the church at large,” he added.

Rev. Omole said the update came from Mr. Sunday Bakare, one of the abductees, who escaped after more than a month in captivity. Bakare told the church that five of the abductees had died while three remain with the kidnappers.

Some of the victims were on medication but were allegedly denied access to their drugs by the captors, sources said.

The attack occurred on March 22 when gunmen stormed the church during worship, shooting sporadically and forcing congregants to flee before taking eight worshippers into a nearby forest.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers demanded N1 billion ransom, which the pastor said was later reduced to N150 million during negotiations.

Sources said that relatives raised about N20 million and provided food items and other supplies requested by the abductors to secure the victims’ release. Despite this, the kidnappers reportedly collected the money and supplies but refused to release the victims.

Three worshippers are still believed to be in captivity.