KEY POINTS

• Kidnappers demand N1 billion for church worshippers abducted in Omugo, Kwara State
• Fresh attack in Oro-Ago kills vigilante commander and injures chief security officer
• Residents’ safety threatened as repeated attacks disrupt livelihoods and religious activities

Gunmen who abducted worshippers during a church service in Kwara State are demanding a N1 billion ransom for their release, just days after the attack shook the community.

The victims were kidnapped on Sunday when armed men stormed an Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, disrupting worship and forcing many to flee.

The church’s presiding pastor, Omole Timothy, said the abductors contacted relatives, insisting the ransom be collected collectively by communities in Oro-Ago. Attempts to negotiate have failed, with kidnappers rejecting an initial N1 million offer and warning against further bargaining.

“They told us not to talk even about N20 million, N50 million, N100 million, and they switched off the phone,” Timothy said. He also reported speaking with some of the victims, including his wife, who complained of thirst, while an elderly man sustained a head injury from being struck with a gun.

The security situation in the region has worsened, with fresh attacks reported in nearby Oro-Ago community.

A local source told SaharaReporters that gunmen invaded the town Wednesday evening, killing a vigilante commander and shooting the community’s chief security officer, known as the Olu-òde. The attackers reportedly operated for over an hour, causing panic and forcing residents to flee or stay indoors.

Authorities warn of coordinated attacks in parts of Kwara South

Authorities had previously warned of coordinated attacks in parts of Kwara South, including Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin local government areas. Despite security alerts, repeated abductions and violent incidents have heightened concerns over residents’ safety, disrupting livelihoods and religious activities in rural communities.

Efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The incident underscores the urgent need for increased security measures to protect vulnerable communities in the state.