Kwara Kidnappers Slash Ransom Demand, Community Still in Distress
Terrorists who abducted eight worshippers in Kwara State have reduced their ransom demand from ₦1 billion to ₦150 million, but the amount remains far beyond what the victims’ families can afford.
The victims were taken on March 22 during a church service at the Evangelical Church of West Africa in Omugo community, Oro-Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Speaking in Ilorin, the spokesperson for concerned residents, Jimoh Olaitan, said the kidnappers are insisting on the revised demand despite the hardship it poses.
“The abductors have reduced the ransom to ₦150 million. They are bent on collecting that sum,” he said.
He noted that even with the reduction, the amount is still unrealistic for the families and the community, many of whom are struggling to cope with the situation.
“That amount is still too much. There is no way the families can raise it. The entire community is overwhelmed,” Olaitan added.
Beyond the ransom issue, the attack has triggered widespread fear, forcing many residents to abandon their homes. According to Olaitan, Omugo has been largely deserted since the incident.
“People are moving out in droves. Many houses have been abandoned because residents are afraid of another attack,” he said.
He added that only local vigilantes and hunters remain in the area, trying to protect properties left behind.
“If you go there now, you will mostly find vigilantes and hunters guarding what’s left. Normal life has completely stopped,” he said.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity in parts of the country, with communities left vulnerable and families struggling under the weight of rising ransom demands.
