Tragedy has struck the community of Omugo in the Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, as at least five worshippers abducted during a violent attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Church are reported to have died in terrorists’ captivity. The incident occurred on March 22, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded the church during a service, kidnapping approximately eight congregants and whisking them away into nearby forests.

Among the reported deceased is Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole, the wife of the church pastor, Rev. Sunday Timothy Omole. Other identified victims who reportedly died in captivity include Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, and Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi. The tragic development has plunged the Omugo community and members of the ECWA congregation into deep mourning.

The grim news emerged from reports filtering out of the terrorists’ camp, primarily relayed by one of the abductees, Mr. Sunday Bakare, who managed to escape from captivity after spending over a month with the kidnappers. Bakare informed the church and affected families that five of the abductees had died, while three others remained with the captors. Sources revealed that some of the victims were on medication and were allegedly denied access to their drugs by their abductors, although specific details surrounding the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers had reportedly established contact with the families, initially demanding a ₦1 billion ransom. This amount was later reviewed downward during negotiations to ₦150 million. Despite alleged efforts by relatives to secure the victims’ freedom, including the delivery of approximately ₦20 million, along with food supplies and hot drinks requested by the abductors, these attempts proved abortive. The kidnappers reportedly collected the money and supplies but refused to release the captives.

As of the time of reporting, three of the abducted worshippers are still believed to be in captivity. While the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security, Zubair Olaitan, confirmed the report of the deaths to DAILY POST, and Pastor Rev. Omole confirmed it to Daily Trust, official confirmation from authorities regarding the reported deaths could not be immediately obtained. Joint rescue efforts by security agencies were reportedly ongoing to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.