Nigeria: Grief in Kwara as Five Church Worshippers Die in Kidnappers’ Den
A wave of mourning has swept through Kwara State following the reported death of five worshippers who were abducted during a church service more than two months ago.
The victims were among eight members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, who were kidnapped by armed men during a Sunday worship gathering on March 22, 2026.
The heartbreaking development emerged after one of the abducted worshippers, Mr. Sunday Bakare, reportedly escaped from captivity and returned to the community with devastating news about the fate of his fellow church members.
According to the church’s pastor, Rev. Sunday Omole, Bakare informed church leaders that only three of the eight abductees remain alive in the custody of the kidnappers, while five others, including the pastor’s wife, had died during the ordeal.
Those reported dead are Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs. Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole.
The abduction had triggered widespread concern across the community, with families and church members making repeated appeals for government intervention.
Rev. Omole had earlier disclosed that residents raised and paid N20 million to secure the victims’ release.
He said additional items valued at more than N300,000 were also handed over to the abductors.
Despite receiving the payment, the kidnappers allegedly refused to free the worshippers and instead demanded a fresh ransom running into hundreds of millions of naira.
The pastor said the development left many residents convinced that the criminals were more interested in exploiting the community than negotiating the release of the captives.
Announcing the tragedy, Rev. Omole described the news as one of the most painful moments for the church and the affected families.
He called on members to remain steadfast in faith despite the loss, saying Christians throughout history had endured suffering while holding firmly to their beliefs.
Meanwhile, the three surviving worshippers are said to be battling severe health challenges in captivity.
The escapee, who reportedly arrived in a weakened condition, is currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Omu-Aran.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom continue to leave families devastated and communities living in fear.
