Bandits demand ₦1bn ransom for abducted ECWA worshippers in Kwara

Suspected bandits have reportedly demanded a staggering ₦1 billion ransom for the release of eight members of the Evangelical Church of West Africa abducted in Omugo community.

The victims were kidnapped during a church service on Sunday after armed men stormed the premises, firing gunshots into the air to disperse worshippers. In the chaos that followed, several members were forcefully taken away.

The incident, which occurred in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has heightened fears among residents and raised fresh concerns over the safety of religious gatherings in the region.

In an interview with News Central TV on Tuesday, the pastor-in-charge of the church, Toba Omole, revealed that eight persons remain in captivity, including his wife. He expressed concern over their safety while calling for urgent intervention to secure their release.

Omole said the bandits made the demand after allowing the community to speak with the abducted victims on Tuesday morning.

“This morning, to the glory of God, we heard from our people who were abducted about three days ago. We heard their voices, and I heard my wife’s voice and other members — the men and women that were kidnapped together,” Omole said.

“About eight of them are still there. And right away, the kidnappers made their demand. They requested N1 billion from us in order to secure their release.”

While appealing to the government and Nigerians for assistance, the pastor said the ransom demand was beyond the community’s capacity.

“This is beyond our power. We are sincerely in need of your help and assistance. Any negotiations you can make, any efforts you can make to assist us, please kindly do so for us,” he said.

The cleric acknowledged efforts being made by the government to ensure peace in the state, but said more needed to be done.

“There is still work to do because eight people our mothers, fathers, and wives are still in captivity. My wife is there,” he added.

Omole also appreciated the intervention of security operatives who visited the community shortly after the incident.

“We thank God that yesterday evening, army officers came around 5 pm to visit. We raised concerns about the community being left without protection — no officers, no police. The officer in charge assured us, and by around 7 pm, four soldiers were deployed,” he said.

“They stayed with us throughout the night to safeguard the community and put everyone at ease. They left around 8 am this morning. We really appreciate the army officers for what they did.”