Five Worshippers Die In Captivity Following Church Kidnapping In Kwara State.

                                       

Five worshippers abducted during a March terrorist attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Omugo, Oro Ago District, have tragically died while in captivity.

The victims were taken on March 22, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen stormed the church during a worship service. Among those killed is Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole, the wife of the church pastor, **Rev. Sunday Timothy Omole**.

Rev. Omole confirmed the deaths in a telephone interview with Daily Trust on Wednesday, June 3, describing the loss as “with deep pain in my heart.” He stated that out of eight people initially abducted, **five have died**, while three remain in captivity.

The deceased have been identified as:

Elder Chief David Omopariola
Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun
Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi
Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi
Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole

“May God console their immediate families and the church at large,” Rev. Omole added.

The information about the deaths was relayed by **Mr. Sunday Bakare**, one of the abductees who escaped after spending over a month with the kidnappers. According to Rev. Omole, Bakare reported that some victims were on medication but were denied access to their drugs by the captors.

Negotiations with the kidnappers reportedly involved a ransom demand of N1 billion, which was later reduced to N150 million. Families of the victims managed to raise about N20 million and also provided food and supplies requested by the kidnappers. Despite these efforts, the victims were not released.

The incident has plunged the Omugo community and ECWA congregation into mourning, as relatives and community leaders await further updates from security agencies. Three of the abducted worshippers are still believed to be held by the kidnappers.