By Abigail David
Residents of Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have celebrated the return of the three remaining worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.
The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers who invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
While five of the victims reportedly died in captivity, the remaining three were rescued following a coordinated security operation targeting suspected kidnappers operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
In a statement, President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the victims’ return as a moment of both joy and sorrow, saying the community was celebrating their freedom while mourning those who lost their lives.
He thanked God for the safe return of the women and said the community endured 105 days of fear, uncertainty and continuous prayers while hoping for their release.
Thompson also expressed condolences to the families of the five worshippers who died in captivity, describing their deaths as a painful loss that would remain etched in the community’s memory.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security personnel for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom. He also praised traditional rulers and members of the Omugo community, both at home and in the diaspora, for their support throughout the ordeal.
Thompson urged displaced residents to return home, assuring them that measures had been put in place to enhance security and protect lives and property.
Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said sustained military pressure by joint security forces, including soldiers, police officers, hunters and vigilante groups, forced the kidnappers to release several captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
Confirming the development, the pastor of ECWA Omugo, Rev. Sunday Omole, said the church had received the three women and appealed for prayers for their physical and emotional recovery.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.
