Wednesday, June 8, 2026 - Three women who were among worshippers kidnapped during the attack on ECWA Church, Omugo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.
The victims, including a hearing-impaired widow and mother
of seven, Mosunmola Adekunle, were said to have been rescued by a joint team of
security operatives comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department
of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and vigilantes on Monday,
July 6, 2026.
Their rescue marks the end of a months-long ordeal that
plunged the Omugo community into mourning and uncertainty following the
abduction of eight worshippers during a Sunday service.
President of the Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji
Ladi Thompson, confirm the incident on Tuesday.
He described the day as one of “mixed emotions” for the
community.
While celebrating the return of the three women to their
families, Thompson said the community remained heartbroken over the five
worshippers who lost their lives in captivity.
“Today, with grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty
God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained
their freedom and have been reunited with their families,” he said.
“Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain
heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their
lives in the kidnappers’ den.
“Their untimely deaths have left painful scars on our hearts
and a void that can never truly be filled”, he said.
The community leader extended condolences to the bereaved
families, ECWA Church, Omugo and the entire community, praying for divine
comfort for those affected by the tragedy.
He also thanked the security agencies.
The worshippers were abducted on March 22 when armed men
invaded ECWA Church during a worship service and whisked away eight congregants
into the forest.
The incident triggered widespread outrage and frantic
efforts to secure their release.
Recall that five of the abductees, including the wife of the
church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, died in captivity after months in the
kidnappers’ den despite efforts by families and the community to secure their
freedom.
The abductors had initially demanded a N1 billion ransom,
which was later reduced during negotiations.
Community members were said to have raised about N20 million
and provided food items and other supplies demanded by the kidnappers, but the
five victims never returned alive.
He also paid tribute to the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of
Omugo and members of the traditional council for providing leadership,
encouragement and support to affected families throughout the ordeal.
The Omugo Development Union president equally appreciated
the sons and daughters of the community at home and in the diaspora for their
financial support, prayers and solidarity during the 105-day crisis.
He urged residents who had fled the community over
insecurity to return home, assuring them that measures had been put in place to
safeguard lives and property.
Thompson also called on members of the community to sustain
the unity demonstrated during the crisis and continue supporting efforts aimed
at rebuilding and developing.
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