Families in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have welcomed the return of the three remaining worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All, Omugo, who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.
According to The Punch, the women, one of whom is a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers who attacked the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
Five of the abducted worshippers were reported to have died while in captivity, while the remaining three were freed following an intensified security operation targeting suspected kidnappers hiding in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the victims’ return as both joyful and heartbreaking, noting that the community was celebrating the release of the survivors while grieving those who never made it back.
He said, “With grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families.
“Indeed, God has once again shown that He hears and answers the prayers of His people. To Him alone be all the glory.”
Thompson recalled that the attack on the church was one of the most traumatic incidents in the history of the community, adding that residents spent 105 days living in fear while holding on to hope through constant prayers.
“For 105 painful days, our community lived in fear, anxiety, uncertainty and unceasing prayers. Yet, we never gave up hope. We trusted in God, stood together as one people and believed that He would make a way where there seemed to be none,” he said.
He also honoured the memories of the five worshippers who died in the kidnappers’ camp, describing their deaths as a tragedy that would remain with the community.
“Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den,” Thompson said.
“On behalf of the Omugo Development Union, I extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community. May the Almighty God comfort every grieving family and grant eternal rest to the souls of our departed brothers and sisters,” he added.
The union president praised the efforts of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security personnel, for their commitment to securing the release of the captives.
“We sincerely appreciate the government at all levels, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups, and all security personnel whose courage, professionalism and relentless efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the remaining captives,” he said.
He further acknowledged the support of the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and the Council of Chiefs for providing leadership throughout the crisis. Thompson also thanked indigenes of Omugo, both at home and abroad, for their financial assistance, prayers and solidarity.
Appealing for unity, he encouraged residents who fled the community because of insecurity to return, assuring them that measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.
“I also encourage you all to return home, as all arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of lives and property in our community,” he stated.
Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, disclosed that the victims regained their freedom after security operatives intensified pressure on kidnappers during a coordinated operation along the Kwara-Kogi border.
“A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising the military, police, hunters and vigilante groups, has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border,” the group said.
“The relieving news filtered in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families,” it added.
Confirming the development, the pastor in charge of ECWA Omugo, Rev. Sunday Omole, said the church had received the three women and called on Christians to pray for their recovery.
“With great joy in my heart, I announce that we already received back three of the eight people kidnapped from ECWA Omugo this afternoon. Join us as we pray for their quick recovery in Jesus’ name, amen,” Omole said.
Meanwhile, attempts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and a text message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not answered as of the time this report was filed.
