By Ayomide Otitoju
Eight worshippers were abducted during a church service in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, with terrorists reportedly demanding a ₦1 billion ransom for the release of five of the victims.
The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All, were taken during a service in the rural Oro-Ago axis, sparking fear and outrage among residents.
Reverend Omole Timothy, pastor of the church, told Trust Africa News the abductors initially contacted church and community leaders, insisting on the ₦1 billion ransom to be contributed by all communities in Oro-Ago.
Efforts to negotiate a lower payment have reportedly failed. “We offered ₦1 million, but they rejected it and warned against discussing lower sums. They insisted on ₦1 billion,” the cleric said, adding that the kidnappers later cut off communication after dismissing further negotiation attempts.
Reverend Timothy confirmed he briefly spoke with his wife, one of the captives, who reported that the group was thirsty but mostly unharmed, except for an elderly man who sustained a head injury from a gun strike.
The incident has heightened anxiety across Ifelodun LGA, with residents urging the Kwara State Government and security agencies to take swift action to ensure the safe release of the victims.
