Terrorists who abducted worshippers during a church service in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded ₦1 billion ransom for the release of five of the victims.
The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), were kidnapped during a service in the rural community, triggering fear among residents in the Oro-Ago axis. Three of those abducted have since regained freedom.
The church’s pastor, Reverend Omole Timothy, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with Channels Television, stating that the kidnappers initially contacted community leaders with the demand.
“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 about the victims that were kidnapped, but they did not listen to us yesterday,” the pastor said.
According to him, attempts to negotiate a lower ransom have so far failed, as the abductors rejected offers and insisted on the initial demand.
“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.
Reverend Timothy also disclosed that he briefly spoke with his wife, who is among those still in captivity, along with other victims.
“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 with a gun on his head,” he added.
The incident has heightened tension across communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, with residents calling on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
