Gunmen invaded the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, during a church service over the weekend. The attackers abducted eight worshippers and fled the scene. Security operatives and local vigilantes responded swiftly and managed to rescue three of the victims. However, the remaining eight worshippers remained in captivity.
The Ransom Demand
The kidnappers contacted church and community leaders and demanded N1 billion for the release of the abducted worshippers. Reverend Omole Sunday Timothy, the presiding pastor of ECWA Omugo, confirmed the development in an interview with journalists.
Reverend Timothy stated that the abductors insisted the ransom must be raised from all communities in Oro-Ago. He revealed that attempts to negotiate a lower amount failed completely.
Rejected Offers
The kidnappers dismissed every offer below their demanded sum. Reverend Timothy explained the situation in clear terms.
“They called us and told us they are in good spirits, but they demanded N1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago,” he said.
Furthermore, he added that the abductors issued stern warnings against further negotiations involving smaller amounts.
“They told us not to talk about N20 million, not N50 million, not even N100 million, and they switched off the phone. Since then, we have not heard from them,” he added.
