BANDITS DEMAND N1 BILLION RANSOM FOR EIGHT ABDUCTED WORSHIPPERS IN KWARA
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Gunmen who kidnapped worshippers during a Sunday service at an Evangelical Church of West Africa in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have reportedly demanded a N1 billion ransom for their release.
The church’s Pastor-in-Charge, Toba Omole, told journalists on Wednesday that eight members of the congregation, including his wife, remain in captivity several days after the abduction.
Omole explained that the kidnappers made contact with the community on Tuesday, briefly allowing families to speak with the victims before issuing their ransom demand.
“This morning, we were able to hear from those who were abducted. I heard my wife’s voice and those of other members,” Omole said.
“About eight of them are still in captivity, and the kidnappers have demanded N1 billion for their release.”
The cleric described the demand as far beyond the reach of the affected families and the rural community, thus appealing for urgent intervention from the government and well-meaning Nigerians.
“This is far beyond what we can afford. We are appealing for help and intervention, including efforts toward negotiation to secure their release,” he added.
The media had earlier reported that the attack, which occurred during a worship session on Sunday, has since altered daily life in Omugo, with residents fleeing their homes amid fears of another assault and what they perceive as inadequate security presence.
As of Monday, signs of a mass exodus were evident in the community, as several homes remained locked and deserted, while vehicles loaded with household items ferried families to safer locations.
Amid ongoing uncertainty, residents continue to flee Omugo, while families of the abducted worshippers remain hopeful, even as calls intensify for decisive measures to curb rural banditry in the state.
In a related incident, suspected bandits reportedly extended their attacks to Oro-Ago, a neighbouring community in the same Ifelodun Local Government Area, on Wednesday evening, killing a vigilante commander and leaving another security officer critically injured.
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Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, confirmed the attack to our correspondent on Wednesday night.
According to reports, the assailants stormed the community, killing the commander of the local vigilante group and shooting the town’s chief security officer, known as the Olu-òde, identified as Odeyemi.
“The vigilante commander was killed during the attack, while the Olu-òde sustained gunshot injuries,” the coordinator stated.
Residents reported that the recent attack has intensified tension in neighboring communities, many of which are still reeling from the abduction of ECWA worshippers in Omugo.
At the time of reporting, the Kwara State Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the incident.
The latest assault highlights escalating security challenges in the region, prompting residents to demand immediate and strengthened security measures to prevent further violence and reassure rural inhabitants.
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