Fresh fears have gripped families and members of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Kwara State following reports that five worshippers abducted during a church attack in March may have died while in captivity.
The victims were among eight church members kidnapped by gunmen who invaded ECWA Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, during a worship service on March 22, 2026.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the heartbreaking information reportedly emerged after one of the captives escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout and relayed details of what happened in captivity.
A source disclosed that relatives of the affected victims had already been informed, with reports suggesting that only three of the abducted worshippers are still alive and being held by the kidnappers.
Among those reportedly feared dead is the wife of the church minister, Mrs Rachel Omole, alongside Elder David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, and Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi.
The development has thrown families, church members and residents into mourning, although the exact circumstances surrounding the reported deaths remain unclear.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not officially confirmed the deaths.
Reacting to the reports, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command had not received any official information confirming that the abducted worshippers were killed.
The victims were abducted after armed men stormed the church during service, firing gunshots to create panic before leading worshippers into a nearby forest.
Police had earlier disclosed that many of the victims were elderly persons, some reportedly over 70 years old.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers allegedly demanded ₦1 billion ransom, which was later reduced during negotiations. Reports indicated that families eventually raised and paid ₦20 million, alongside food items and drinks, in a desperate effort to secure the release of their loved ones.
Despite the payment, the captives were reportedly not released.
The incident has renewed concerns over the growing insecurity facing communities across the country and the plight of kidnapping victims whose families often wait for months without answers.
Security agencies have maintained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining captives and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
