Five of the eight worshippers abducted during a church service at ECWA Church, Omugo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reportedly been killed by their captors, according to information released by the church.
The victims were among eight congregants, including the wife of the church pastor, who were kidnapped on March 22, 2026, during a Sunday worship service.
The tragic development emerged after one of the abductees, Mr. Sunday Bakare, escaped from captivity after spending more than a month with the kidnappers. According to the church, Bakare returned and revealed that only three of the abducted worshippers remain alive.
In a statement issued by the church’s pastor, Rev. Sunday Omole, the deceased were identified as:
- Elder Chief David Omopariola
- Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun
- Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi
- Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi
- Mrs. Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform the church, families and individual concerned in regard to the 8 people that were abducted from ECWA OMUGO on 22nd of March, 2026.
“We received one of our son’s, Mr Sunday Bakare also abducted over a month ago, he escaped and brought the following news that only 3 out of 8 of our people are remaining with the kidnappers. The remaining 5 have gone to be with the Lord,” the statement read.
Rev. Omole urged members of the church to remain steadfast in faith despite the tragedy.
“Brethren, let’s know that God knows why He allows this to happen. The great comforter will comfort us in Jesus name, amen.
“The prayers of the saints in the beginning of the church also worked and answered still they had martyrs. John 16:33 says (NIV) ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’
“Heaven is our home and Gain. Let’s reason as child of God as we navigate this moment. God bless you, and comfort you all in Jesus name, amen.”
Before the latest development, Rev. Omole had appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in securing the release of the abductees, alleging that the community had already paid N20 million and supplied items worth more than N300,000 to the kidnappers without securing their freedom.
He claimed the abductors later demanded an additional N300 million ransom despite receiving the earlier payments.
Sources also disclosed that the three remaining captives are in critical health condition, while the escapee is currently receiving urgent medical treatment at a private hospital in Omu-Aran.
