Fresh grief has enveloped the Omugo community in Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following reports that five worshippers abducted during an attack on an Evangelical Church Winning All congregation have died while in captivity.

The victims were among members of the church who were kidnapped during a violent attack on an ECWA worship service in March 2026. According to local sources, one of those reportedly confirmed dead was the wife of Pastor Omole, the minister in charge of the congregation.

The tragic development was said to have been revealed by one of the abductees who reportedly escaped from the kidnappers’ den and later shared information about conditions inside the camp.

Community members disclosed that the deceased worshippers had spent several weeks in captivity before news of their deaths reached their families. The exact cause of death remains unclear as security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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Residents of Omugo and neighbouring communities have reportedly been thrown into mourning after the devastating update.

A source familiar with the situation said the families of the victims had already been informed.

“The sad news has been broken to the families of the deceased,” the source reportedly disclosed.

The attack that led to the abduction occurred on March 22, 2026, when heavily armed men invaded the church during worship activities. Witnesses had earlier narrated that the attackers fired sporadically into the air, causing panic among worshippers before forcing several congregants into the surrounding forest.

Most of those abducted were reportedly elderly members of the church. Security officials had previously confirmed that many of the victims were over 70 years old, raising concerns about their ability to survive prolonged captivity under harsh conditions.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded ₦1 billion ransom for the release of the victims. However, after negotiations involving community leaders, relatives and intermediaries, the amount was said to have been reduced significantly.

Sources claimed the families eventually paid ₦20 million alongside food items and alcoholic drinks requested by the abductors. Despite the reported payment, the victims were allegedly not released.

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The reported deaths have renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara South and the increasing vulnerability of rural communities and places of worship to attacks by armed groups.

Residents expressed frustration over what they described as inadequate protection for communities frequently targeted by kidnappers and bandits.

Many community members also lamented the prolonged silence surrounding the fate of the abducted worshippers, especially after ransom negotiations reportedly took place.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the security challenges facing several communities across Nigeria, where attacks on schools, worship centres and highways have continued despite repeated assurances from authorities.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not officially confirmed the deaths of the worshippers or provided details on ongoing rescue efforts.