Residents of Omugo community in Oro-Ago District, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly fled their homes following renewed fear of terrorist attacks, leaving behind vigilantes and hunters to guard abandoned properties.
Speaking in Ilorin, spokesperson of the concerned citizens, Jimoh Olaitan, said the community has been deserted after armed men previously invaded an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) service and abducted eight elderly worshippers about 18 days ago. He called on the government to urgently restore security and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
Olaitan disclosed that the abductors initially demanded ₦1 billion ransom before reducing it to ₦150 million, insisting the payment must be made before releasing the victims. He stressed that the amount is far beyond what the victims’ families and the community can afford.
He appealed to federal, state, and local authorities, as well as security agencies, to launch a coordinated rescue operation, deploy personnel to the area, and establish a permanent Joint Task Force base to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the community.