Gunmen who abducted worshippers during a church service in Kwara State have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the victims’ release, deepening fear and tension in the affected communities.
The incident occurred during a Sunday service at an Evangelical Church of West Africa in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, where eight congregants, including the wife of the church’s pastor, were taken hostage.
Speaking with journalists, the Pastor-in-Charge, Toba Omole, confirmed that the abductors had made contact and briefly allowed families to speak with the victims before issuing their demand.
“We were able to hear from them, including my wife, this morning. About eight of them are still in captivity, and the kidnappers are demanding N1 billion for their release,” he said.
Omole described the ransom as far beyond what the victims’ families and the rural community could afford, appealing for urgent intervention.
“This amount is completely out of our reach. We are pleading with the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to assist us and help facilitate their safe return,” he added.
The abduction has disrupted normal life in Omugo, with many residents fleeing their homes over fears of further attacks and what they describe as inadequate security presence. Several houses have been abandoned, while families have relocated to safer areas.
Meanwhile, violence has reportedly spread to nearby Oro-Ago community, where suspected bandits launched another attack on Wednesday evening.
Confirming the development, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said a local vigilante commander was killed, while another security operative sustained gunshot injuries.
“The attackers stormed the community, killed the vigilante commander, and left the Olu-ode seriously injured,” he stated.
Residents say the fresh assault has heightened anxiety across neighbouring communities already grappling with the aftermath of the Omugo abduction.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents.
The attacks have renewed calls for increased security presence and decisive action to curb rising cases of banditry in rural parts of the state.
