Terrorists Demand N1 Billion Ransom for Abducted ECWA Worshippers in Kwara

By Tgnews Reporter

Terrorists have demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom for the release of eight worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) abducted during a church service in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The kidnapping occurred over the weekend when armed gunmen invaded the community while the church service was ongoing. Security operatives and local vigilantes swiftly responded and successfully rescued three of the abducted worshippers, but the remaining eight were taken away by the attackers.

Families of the victims and community leaders are now in distress as they plead for the safe return of their loved ones. Tension remains high in Omugo and surrounding areas.

Confirming the ransom demand, the presiding pastor of ECWA Omugo, Rev. Omole Sunday Timothy, said the abductors contacted church and community leaders, insisting on N1 billion to be raised from communities in the Oro-Ago area.

According to Rev. Timothy, the kidnappers rejected lower offers and warned against negotiating smaller amounts.

“They called us and told us they are in good spirits, but they demanded N1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago,” the pastor said.

He added that the abductors dismissed appeals to focus negotiations only on the victims rather than involving entire communities.

“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,” Rev. Timothy revealed.

The pastor also spoke briefly with his wife, who is among those abducted. He said the captives complained of thirst but confirmed that none had sustained serious injuries, except for an elderly man who was hit on the head.

Rev. Timothy has called on both the Kwara State and Federal Governments to urgently intervene to secure the release of the victims and improve security in the area.

This latest incident has raised fresh concerns about the rising cases of kidnapping targeting worshippers in churches across parts of Nigeria.