Trending 
Eight worshippers from Omugo ECWA Church in Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State, remain held by bandits who are reportedly demanding N1 billion for their release, the church leadership confirmed on Tuesday.
Rev. Dr Toba Omole, the church’s pastor, in an interview with News Central TV, described the situation as “beyond our power” and appealed to both the Nigerian government and citizens for urgent intervention.
The victims include men, women, the elderly and children. Among them is Rev. Omole’s wife.
Speaking on the current status of the abducted members, Omole said, “We hear from our people that were abducted about three days ago. We heard their voices, and I heard my wife’s voice and other members’ too. The men and the women that were kidnapped together – about eight of them were still there. And right away, the kidnappers have made their demand known; they requested one billion Naira from us to pay.
“We want to, at this moment, plead with the government and Nigerians to please come to our aid. This is beyond our power. We cannot get this money. We really rely on the government to please come and assist us. The government has been trying; they have been making efforts to see that peace reigns in this environment.
“Eight people, we need to get them back. Their mothers, their fathers, their wives. My wife is there. Their children, their children to some people. Old men, all of them.”
The abduction occurred during a Sunday morning service, sending worshippers and residents into panic.
Joint security operatives have rescued three of the abducted individuals, but eight remain in captivity as the bandits insist on the one billion naira ransom.
Rev. Omole also noted the temporary security presence provided by the army after the abduction.
“Yesterday evening, the army officers came around 5 o’clock to visit. We made a request about leaving the community without any protection, no officers, no police, no army.
“The officer in charge promised, and around 7 o’clock we received four army officers to stay with us throughout the night, to safeguard the community and put everybody’s mind at rest.
“They stayed throughout the night and left around 8 o’clock this morning. We really appreciate the army officers for what they did,” he said.
The church leader urged Nigerians to help by supporting efforts to secure the release of the captives.
“Any assistance, any negotiations you can make, any efforts you can make to assist us, please kindly do for us. And the Lord will bless all of us in Jesus’ name. Nigeria will be at peace in Jesus’ name.”
“The kidnappers have made their demands known, they requested 1 billion Naira from us…”
Rev. Dr Toba Omole calls on the government and Nigerians to urgently assist in securing the release of eight abducted Omugo ECWA Church worshipers, as their attackers have issued demands. pic.twitter.com/GwVT5nGP6G
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) March 24, 2026
