Kwara church attack: Five abducted worshippers murdered, one regains freedom

Tragedy has struck the ECWA Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as five out of the eight worshippers abducted during a church service have reportedly been killed by their captors.

The victims were among congregants kidnapped on March 22, 2026, during a Sunday service, an incident that also included the pastor’s wife among those taken.

The confirmation of the deaths was contained in a statement released by the church pastor, Rev. Sunday Omole, after one of the abductees who escaped captivity returned with distressing details of the ordeal.

According to him, only three of the abducted worshippers are still alive, while the remaining five have died in captivity.

> “We received one of our sons… who escaped and brought the following news that only 3 out of 8 of our people are remaining with the kidnappers. The remaining 5 have gone to be with the Lord,” the statement read.

The pastor also revealed that the abductors had earlier collected ₦20 million and additional items worth over ₦300,000 from the community but later demanded a further ₦300 million ransom, despite failing to release the victims.

He described the situation as deeply painful and appealed for continued prayers and faith amid the tragedy.

The development underscores the worsening insecurity affecting rural communities across parts of Nigeria, where kidnappers have increasingly targeted worship centres, schools, and road users.

Reports indicate that the three remaining victims are in critical condition, while the escapee is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital in Omu-Aran.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of press time.