Tragedy in Kwara: Pastor’s Wife, Four Worshippers Die in Captivity After Church Abduction

Five worshippers abducted during an attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have died while in captivity.

The church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, disclosed the tragic development to members of the congregation through a message posted on the church’s WhatsApp platform. He later confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Daily Trust on Wednesday night.
Among those who lost their lives was the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.
The victims were among eight worshippers kidnapped when armed men invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
Expressing his grief, Rev. Omole said:
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform you that out of eight people that were abducted from ECWA Omugo on the 22nd of March, 2026, only three are still with the kidnappers. The remaining five have been with the Lord.”
The cleric identified the deceased as Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and his wife, Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole.
He prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved families and the church community.
Rev. Omole explained that the information was conveyed by Mr. Sunday Bakare, one of the abductees, who managed to escape after spending more than a month in captivity.
According to him, Bakare informed the church that five of the kidnapped worshippers had died, while three others remain in the hands of their captors.
It was gathered that some of the victims were on medication but were allegedly denied access to their drugs by the kidnappers.
Sources familiar with the negotiations had earlier informed families of the victims about the deaths, although the exact circumstances surrounding them remain unclear.
The abduction occurred on March 22 when gunmen stormed the church during worship, fired sporadically, forced congregants to flee, and abducted eight worshippers into a nearby forest.
Following the incident, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion. Rev. Omole said the amount was later reduced to ₦150 million during negotiations.
Sources told Daily Trust that relatives of the victims eventually raised about ₦20 million and also provided food items and other supplies allegedly requested by the abductors in an effort to secure the release of their loved ones.
Despite receiving the money and supplies, the kidnappers reportedly failed to release the captives.
Three of the abducted worshippers are still believed to be in captivity.