Five Abducted ECWA Worshippers Reportedly Die In Captivity

Five worshippers abducted during an attack on an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reportedly died while in captivity.

According to Sahara Reporters, sources familiar with the development said one of the victims was the wife of the church minister, Pastor Omole.

The information was reportedly provided by one of the abductees who escaped from captivity.

According to sources, reports emerging from the kidnappers’ hideout indicated that five of the abducted worshippers died after spending several weeks in captivity.

The exact circumstances surrounding their deaths were not immediately clear.

“The sad news has been broken to the families of the deceased,” a source said.

The source added that Pastor Omole’s wife was among those reportedly confirmed dead.

The victims were kidnapped on March 22, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the ECWA church in Omugo during a worship service.

The gunmen reportedly fired shots into the air before forcing worshippers into a nearby forest.

Initial reports indicated that eight members of the congregation were abducted during the attack, most of them elderly worshippers.

Police authorities later confirmed that many of those taken were over 70 years old.

Sources said the abductors initially demanded ₦1 billion for the release of the victims.

Following negotiations involving relatives, community leaders and intermediaries, the families reportedly paid ₦20 million alongside food items and alcoholic beverages requested by the kidnappers.

Despite the payment, the captives were not released.

The reported deaths have plunged the Omugo community and members of the ECWA congregation into mourning.

Residents expressed frustration over the prolonged captivity and the inability of security agencies to secure the victims’ release.

The incident has also renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara South and the vulnerability of rural communities and places of worship to attacks.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not officially confirmed the reported deaths.