According to a report by CHANNELS TELEVISION on March 26, tension continues to grip Kwara State following the abduction of worshippers in Ifelodun Local Government Area, with the presiding pastor of the affected church revealing that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦1 billion.
The incident, which took place during a church service in Omugo community along the Oro-Ago axis, has left residents in fear and sparked calls for urgent government intervention.
The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), were seized by armed individuals during worship, prompting immediate distress within the community.
Although three of the abducted worshippers have been released, the remaining captives continue to be held under harsh conditions, according to Reverend Omole Timothy, the church’s pastor.
In a telephone interview with Channels Television, Reverend Timothy disclosed that the kidnappers first reached out to both church and community leaders, insisting on a collective ransom of ₦1 billion to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Negotiations for a reduced amount, including offers of ₦20 million, ₦50 million, or even ₦100 million, were reportedly rejected outright by the abductors, who warned against further discussions involving lower sums.
“They told us not to talk about ₦20 million, ₦50 million, or even ₦100 million,” Reverend Timothy said. “Communication ended abruptly after they reiterated their demand for the full amount.”
The pastor also revealed that he managed a brief phone conversation with his wife, one of the victims still in captivity. According to him, the hostages are suffering from severe thirst and challenging conditions, and at least one elderly victim was injured after being struck with a firearm during the ordeal.
Despite appeals from the community to limit negotiations to the immediate families of the victims rather than involving the broader Oro-Ago area, the kidnappers have maintained their demand for a collective ransom, leaving locals anxious and frustrated.
The abduction has intensified fear across Ifelodun LGA, with residents urging the Kwara State government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
... Kwara Abduction: Bandits Told Us Not To Talk About 20, 50 Or N100m Ransom, Insist On N1b- Rev Timothy ... Sportify Post.