Suspected bandits have demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion for the release of eight abducted members of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The pastor in charge of the church, Toba Omole, whose wife is among those kidnapped, disclosed that the victims were able to speak briefly with members of the community on Tuesday morning, about three days after they were taken.
According to him, the kidnappers made their demand immediately after the call.
“By God’s grace, we heard their voices this morning. I was able to hear my wife and the others who were taken. About eight of them are still in captivity, and the kidnappers have asked for ₦1 billion to secure their release,” he said.
Omole described the demand as overwhelming and beyond what the community can afford, appealing to the government and well-meaning Nigerians for urgent support.
“This is not something we can handle on our own. We are begging for help—any assistance or intervention that can lead to their safe return,” he added.
He acknowledged efforts by security operatives, noting that soldiers visited the community shortly after the incident and provided temporary protection.
“They came in the evening, listened to our concerns, and deployed some officers to stay with us overnight. That gave people some level of relief,” he said.
The victims were abducted on Sunday when gunmen stormed the church during a service, firing shots to disperse worshippers before taking several people away.
The incident adds to growing security concerns in Kwara State, where communities have faced repeated attacks, killings, and abductions in recent months.
