Three Abducted Kwara Church Worshippers Regain Freedom After 105 Days

Three female worshippers abducted during the March 22 attack on ECWA Church, Omugo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom after 105 days in captivity.

According to Daily Trust, they were reportedly rescued on Monday by a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and vigilantes.

The rescue ended months of uncertainty in the Omugo community after eight worshippers were kidnapped during a Sunday service.

The President of the Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, confirmed the development on Tuesday, describing the day as one of “mixed emotions.”

He said, “Today, 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.

“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.

“Their untimely deaths have left painful scars on our hearts and a void that can never truly be filled.”

The worshippers were abducted on March 22 when armed men invaded the ECWA Church during worship and whisked away eight congregants into the forest.

Naija News had earlier reported that five of the abductees, including the wife of the church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, died in captivity after months in the kidnappers’ den.

The abductors had initially demanded one billion naira ransom, which was later reduced during negotiations.

Community members reportedly raised about twenty million naira and provided food items and other supplies demanded by the kidnappers, but the five victims never returned alive.

Thompson condoled with the bereaved families, the ECWA Church, and the Omugo community, while thanking security agencies, traditional rulers, and community members at home and abroad for their support.

He urged residents who fled the community over insecurity to return home, assuring them that measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.

He also called for sustained unity and support for efforts to rebuild and develop Omugo.