OMUGO, Kwara State — In a devastating development that has shaken the community, five of the eight worshippers abducted from the ECWA Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, have been confirmed dead while in captivity.

The Ordeal Revealed

The tragic news was confirmed late Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by the church’s pastor, Rev. Sunday Omole. The report came to light following the escape of one of the hostages, Mr. Sunday Bakare, who managed to flee the terrorists' den after being held for over a month.

Upon his return, Mr. Bakare provided the harrowing update that only three of the original eight hostages remain alive, confirming that the other five—including the pastor's own wife—had been killed.

The victims have been identified as:

      •  Mrs. Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole (The Pastor’s wife)

      •  Elder Chief David Omopariola

      •  Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun

      •  Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi

      •  Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi

A Community Under Siege

The eight victims were initially kidnapped on the morning of March 22, 2026, during a Sunday service at the church. Despite the community’s desperate efforts to secure their release, the situation devolved into a nightmare.

Rev. Omole had previously disclosed that the community had already paid a ransom of N20 million and provided additional supplies worth over N300,000. However, the kidnappers refused to release the captives, later demanding an additional N300 million in what the community leaders described as a calculated attempt to exploit the grieving families.

"Heaven is Our Home"

In a heartbreaking statement addressed to the church and the families of the victims, Rev. Omole expressed his deep sorrow while urging his congregation to find solace in their faith.

"Brethren, let’s know that God knows why He allows this to happen. The great comforter will comfort us... Heaven is our home and Gain," Rev. Omole stated.

Ongoing Concern for Survivors

The three remaining captives are reportedly in a "terrible health condition," sparking urgent calls for intervention. Meanwhile, Mr. Sunday Bakare, who provided the account of the tragedy, is currently receiving urgent medical attention at a private hospital in Omu-Aran.

The death of these five worshippers has highlighted the worsening security crisis facing educational and religious institutions in parts of the country, renewing pressure on federal and state authorities to take more decisive action against criminal syndicates operating in the region.