Bandits demand N1bn ransom for eight abducted Kwara worshippers
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Gunmen who abducted worshippers during a Sunday service at an Evangelical Church of West Africa in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded a ransom of N1bn for the release of the victims.
The Pastor-in-Charge of the church, Toba Omole, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Wednesday, confirming that eight members of the congregation, including his wife, remain in captivity days after the incident.
He said the kidnappers established contact with the community on Tuesday, briefly allowing families to speak with the abductees before issuing their demand.
“This morning, we were able to hear from those who were abducted. I heard my wife’s voice and those of other members,” Omole said.
“About eight of them are still in captivity, and the kidnappers have demanded N1 billion for their release.”
The cleric described the demand as far beyond the reach of the affected families and the rural community, thus appealing for urgent intervention from the government and well-meaning Nigerians.
“This is far beyond what we can afford. We are appealing for help and intervention, including efforts toward negotiation to secure their release,” he added.
Arewa PUNCH had earlier reported that the attack, which occurred during a worship session on Sunday, has since altered daily life in Omugo, with residents fleeing their homes amid fears of another assault and what they perceive as inadequate security presence.
As of Monday, signs of a mass exodus were evident in the community, as several homes remained locked and deserted, while vehicles loaded with household items ferried families to safer locations.
As uncertainty lingers, residents continue to flee Omugo, while families of the abducted hold on to hope amid growing calls for decisive action to stem the tide of rural banditry in the state.
In a related development, suspected bandits have reportedly extended their attacks to Oro-Ago, a neighbouring community to Omugo in the same Ifelodun Local Government Area on Wednesday evening, killing a vigilante commander and leaving another security operative seriously injured.
The coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, confirmed the latest incident to our correspondent on Wednesday night.
According to information gathered, the attackers stormed the community, killed the commander of the local vigilante group, and shot the town’s chief security officer, popularly known as the Olu-òde, identified as Odeyemi.
“The vigilante commander was killed during the attack, while the Olu-òde sustained gunshot injuries,” the coordinator said.
Residents said the fresh assault has heightened tension across neighbouring communities, many of which are already grappling with fear following the abduction of the ECWA worshippers in Omugo.
As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The latest attack underscores growing security concerns in the area, with residents calling for urgent and reinforced security deployment to prevent further bloodshed and restore confidence among rural dwellers.
