Gunmen Demand ₦1bn Ransom for Five Abducted ECWA Worshippers in Kwara
Gunmen who abducted eight worshippers during a church service in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded a ₦1 billion ransom for the release of five of the victims.
The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), were reportedly kidnapped during a service in the quiet rural community, sparking fear and outrage among residents across the Oro-Ago axis. Three of the abducted worshippers later regained their freedom.
The pastor of the ECWA church, Rev. Omole Timothy, told Channels Television by telephone that the abductors initially contacted the church and community leaders, insisting on a ransom of ₦1 billion to be raised by all communities in Oro-Ago.
According to the cleric, efforts to negotiate a lower ransom have so far been unsuccessful, as the gunmen rejected an offer of ₦1 million and warned against further negotiations involving smaller sums.
“They called us and told us they are in good spirits, but they demanded ₦1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago.
“We are pleading with them to leave Oro aside and discuss only the victims who were kidnapped, but they did not listen to us yesterday,” Timothy said.
He added that the abductors later re-established contact but remained adamant, dismissing all attempts at negotiation.
“But today they responded, and we are begging with ₦1 million. They told us not to talk about ₦20 million, not ₦50 million, not even ₦100 million, and they switched off the phone. Since then, we have not heard from them,” he said.
Timothy further disclosed that he was able to speak briefly with his wife, who is among the abducted victims, alongside other captives.
“Yes, I spoke with her and others. They were complaining that they are all thirsty. No one was injured except an elderly man who was hit on the head with a gun,” he said.
The incident has heightened anxiety across communities in Ifelodun LGA, with residents calling on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the safe release of the victims.
