Kwara pastor says wife still held by bandits despite ransom payment
Sunday Omole, pastor of the Evangelical Church of West Africa in Omugo, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, says his wife and other abducted residents remain in captivity despite paying N20m ransom and other items to the kidnappers. He revealed that the abductors have continued to extort families with fresh demands, even after receiving initial payments. Omole described the emotional toll and criticised the government and security agencies for their response. He also noted that the Omugo community has become deserted, with church activities suspended since the abductions.
What we know
- Sunday Omole said the abductors increased their demand to N300m after allegedly receiving N20m ransom last month along with food items, petrol, red oil, seasoning, and N40,000 worth of hard drugs.
- The pastor stated, “It is almost a month now, precisely since April 29, 2026, and they refused to release them.”
- The abduction in Omugo community dates back to Sunday, March 22, 2026, when armed men invaded the church during a Sunday service and abducted eight worshippers, including the pastor’s wife.
- Security forces rescued three victims, but the kidnappers initially demanded about N1bn ransom, later reduced to N150m after negotiations.
- Omole criticised the security response, stating that soldiers and police have not entered the forests where the kidnappers operate, and lamented the lack of government support or communication.
