Date: June 3, 2026 l By: Dew Washer
ILORIN, Nigeria — Deep sorrow has spread through a church community in Kwara State following reports that five worshippers abducted during a church attack earlier this year have died while in captivity, including the wife of the congregation’s pastor.
The victims were among eight worshippers kidnapped on March 22, 2026, after armed attackers reportedly stormed an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) service in Omugo community, located in the Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area. Witness accounts at the time indicated that the attackers disrupted worship and forced congregants away from the church premises.
According to information later shared by church leadership, the heartbreaking update emerged after one of the abducted worshippers reportedly escaped and returned to the community. The escapee informed church officials that only three of the eight abductees remained alive in captivity.
In a statement attributed to the church’s minister, Rev. Sunday Omole, the victims reported dead were identified as Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs. Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole — the pastor’s wife.
The exact circumstances surrounding the reported deaths were not immediately confirmed publicly, and security agencies had not officially released findings at the time of reporting. Community members and church leaders, however, described the development as devastating after weeks of waiting and negotiations.
Earlier reports indicated that families and local intermediaries had attempted negotiations after abductors initially demanded a large ransom. Community efforts reportedly included financial contributions and other requested items in hopes of securing the captives’ release, but those efforts did not result in their return.
Church members and residents have continued to appeal for stronger protection of rural communities and places of worship amid broader concerns about insecurity affecting several regions of Nigeria. Authorities had not announced arrests connected to the abduction as of Wednesday.
For the families involved, the news marks a painful end to months of uncertainty while attention now turns to the fate and safe return of the remaining abductees.