ILORIN, Nigeria — Five worshippers abducted from an ECWA church in Kwara State have been killed in captivity, while one abductee has escaped, church officials said, deepening concern over rising attacks on religious communities in parts of the state.
The victims were among eight people kidnapped on March 22, 2026, when armed men invaded ECWA Church, Omugo, in the Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area during a church service. Local reports said the gunmen seized worshippers and moved them into the forest after the attack.
Rev. Timothy Omole, the minister in charge of the church, confirmed that his wife, Mrs. Rachael Oluwaremilekun Omole, was among those who died in captivity. He said the news was brought by one of the abductees, Sunday Bakare, who escaped and returned to the community.
According to the church account, five of the eight abducted worshippers have now been confirmed dead, while three others are still believed to be in captivity. Details of how the victims died have not been independently confirmed, and security agencies had not released a full public update at the time of reporting.
The development has thrown the Omugo community into mourning and renewed calls for stronger security in rural parts of Kwara, especially communities close to forest routes used by armed groups. Residents say insecurity has disrupted farming, worship and movement across several villages in the area.
Kwara has witnessed repeated attacks and abductions in recent months. In a separate case, Nigerian police said in April that they arrested 33 suspects linked to the abduction of 38 worshippers from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, as well as other kidnappings, cattle rustling and armed robbery across Kwara and neighbouring Kogi State.
Security experts say the spread of kidnapping gangs into parts of North-Central Nigeria has placed pressure on police and military formations already stretched by banditry, communal violence and insurgent-linked activity. Churches, schools, highways and farming communities have become frequent targets because attackers can seize victims quickly and retreat into difficult terrain.
Police and military authorities are expected to intensify search operations for the remaining captives. Community leaders have also urged government agencies to improve surveillance, respond faster to distress calls and protect vulnerable settlements.
For families of the victims, the latest confirmation brings grief after weeks of uncertainty. For the three worshippers still in captivity, attention now turns to whether security forces can locate and rescue them before more lives are lost.
