Escapee’s account raises fears of tragedy months after Omugo church invasion, as families await official confirmation

Fresh fears have emerged over the fate of worshippers abducted during the attack on ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, with at least five victims now reportedly dead in captivity.

Among those feared dead is the wife of the church’s minister, Pastor Omole, alongside four other congregants, according to sources familiar with the situation and information reportedly provided by an escapee.

A source disclosed that reports indicating the deaths of five abductees had begun circulating, though the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. The information was said to have come from an individual who recently escaped from the armed group’s custody.

Details of how or where the victims may have died have not been established. However, the development has reportedly been communicated to affected families, leaving many in deep distress as they await official confirmation.

The victims were among those kidnapped on March 22, 2026, when armed attackers stormed ECWA Church, Omugo, during a Sunday service. Witnesses said the assailants opened fire to disperse worshippers before taking several people into nearby forests.

At least eight congregants were initially abducted, most of them elderly, with authorities previously noting that many were over 70 years old.

In the aftermath of the attack, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion, which was later reduced during negotiations. Families were said to have raised about ₦20 million, along with food items and other supplies requested by the abductors. Despite this, the victims were not released.

Security agencies had earlier indicated that rescue operations were ongoing to locate the abductees and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from authorities regarding the reported deaths, leaving families and the wider community in uncertainty and fear over the fate of the remaining captives.