Five worshippers abducted during a terrorist attack on an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have died in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on March 22, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen stormed the church during a worship service.
Among those who died is the wife of the church pastor, Rev. Sunday Timothy Omole.
Rev. Omole confirmed the development to Daily Trust during a telephone interview on Wednesday night, June 3.
The tragic development has plunged the Omugo community and members of the ECWA congregation into mourning as relatives and community leaders await official confirmation from security agencies.
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform you that out of the eight people abducted from ECWA Omugo on March 22, 2026, only three are still with the kidnappers. The remaining five have gone to be with the Lord,” Omole said.
The cleric identified the deceased as Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole, his wife.
“May God console their immediate families and the church at large,” he added.
Rev. Omole said the information was relayed by Mr. Sunday Bakare, one of the abductees, who escaped from captivity after spending more than a month with the kidnappers.
According to him, Bakare informed the church that five of the abductees had died while three others remain in captivity.
It was gathered that some of the victims were on medication but were allegedly denied access to their drugs by their captors.
Sources familiar with the negotiations had earlier disclosed that families of the victims were informed of the deaths, although the circumstances surrounding them remain unclear.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion, which was later reduced to N150 million during negotiations, according to the pastor.
Sources told Daily Trust that relatives of the victims eventually raised about N20 million and also provided food items and other supplies allegedly requested by the abductors in a bid to secure their release.
Despite the efforts, the kidnappers reportedly collected the money and supplies but failed to release the victims.
Three of the abducted worshippers are still believed to be in captivity.
