Eight members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, remain in the hands of kidnappers who have reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
The victims were seized during a church service, sending shockwaves through the quiet rural communities along the Oro-Ago axis. Residents have expressed deep fear and urged authorities to act swiftly.
Reverend Omole Sunday Timothy, pastor of the ECWA Church in Omugo, told Afrika Eyes that the abductors initially contacted both church and community leaders, insisting on the astronomical ransom. Efforts to negotiate a lower amount have so far failed.
“They called us and told us they are in good spirits, but they demanded N1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago,” Reverend Timothy said. “We pleaded with them to focus only on the kidnapped victims, but they refused to listen.”
The pastor added that a subsequent attempt to negotiate N1 million was rejected. “They told us not to talk about N20 million, not N50 million, not even N100 million, and then they switched off the phone. Since then, we have not heard from them,” he explained.
Reverend Timothy also shared that he managed to speak briefly with his wife, who is among the captives. “Yes, I spoke with her and the others. They said they were all thirsty. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, except an elderly man who was hit on the head with a gun,” he revealed.
The kidnapping has intensified fear across Ifelodun LGA, with community members appealing to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intervene and ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
