Five churchgoers slain, one freed in Kwara kidnapping incident

Terrorists have brutally murdered five out of the eight worshippers they abducted from ECWA Church Omugo in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state, according to one of the captives who managed to escape.

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This devastating news comes after Rev Sunday Omole, in an interview last month, urged the federal government to expedite the release of the abductees from the terrorists' captivity.

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The clergyman's plea for government intervention was prompted by the community's payment of N20 million and provision of additional items worth over N300,000 to the terrorists, which nonetheless refused to release the hostages and instead demanded an additional N300 million ransom.

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Rev Omole noted that the terrorists' actions clearly indicated their intention to exploit the community, leaving no doubt about their malicious motives.

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The abduction of eight worshippers, including the Pastor's wife, occurred on March 22, 2026, during a Sunday service, and the community has been grappling with the aftermath ever since.

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The death of the five worshippers, including the Pastor's wife, was confirmed in a statement released by Rev Sunday Omole on Wednesday evening, which expressed deep pain and sorrow over the tragic loss.

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The statement revealed that only three of the abducted worshippers remain with the kidnappers, while the other five have lost their lives, with the victims identified as Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole.

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Rev Omole's statement also offered words of comfort, citing biblical verses and urging the community to find solace in their faith during this difficult time.

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The three remaining worshippers are reportedly in a terrible health condition, while a church member who escaped from the terrorists' captivity is currently receiving urgent medical attention in a private hospital in OmuAran.