Kwara community seeks intervention over abducted church members

There is a growing anxiety in the Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as residents appealed to the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to secure the release of eight members of the Evangelical Church Winning All abducted two weeks ago.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a church activity, with their abductors said to be demanding a ransom of N500m.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, the President of Omugo Development Union, Thompson Oladimeji, described the situation as dire, calling for swift and decisive action to rescue those in captivity.

He urged security agencies to deploy more resources, intensify rescue operations, and sustain patrols across vulnerable areas, particularly villages and major access roads within the community.

“We are appealing to the Federal Government, Kwara State Government, and all security agencies to intervene swiftly and decisively to secure the safe release of our people,” he said.

Oladimeji added that beyond rescue efforts, there was a need for coordinated support for affected families, many of whom are struggling emotionally and financially in the aftermath of the abduction.

“Our hearts are heavy. Families are in anguish, the community is traumatised, and fear now defines our daily lives,” he said.

He also called for improved security presence around critical locations such as worship centres and schools, warning that residents now live in constant fear of further attacks.

“We need a clear and sustainable plan to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in Omugo and neighbouring communities,” he added.

The community leader noted that while residents remain prayerful and hopeful, urgent government action is required to restore confidence and ensure safety.

“What we need now is not just assurances, but concrete action,” he stressed.

Residents of Omugo said the latest abduction had disrupted social and economic activities, as many people now avoided travelling or attending public gatherings for fear of attack.

Families of the abducted victims were said to have observed a bleak Easter celebration, marked by grief, uncertainty and unanswered prayers, as they continue to await news of their loved ones.

Some families of the victims, it was gathered, have been struggling to cope with the emotional toll, while others face mounting pressure over the huge ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

The Omugo Development Union reiterated its appeal to government authorities to prioritise the safety of citizens, stressing that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal elements.

The incident in Omugo reflects a growing wave of insecurity in parts of Kwara State and the wider North Central region, where cases of kidnapping for ransom have become increasingly frequent in recent years.

Ifelodun Local Government Area, which shares boundaries with Kogi and Niger states, has witnessed sporadic attacks by armed groups, with residents often blaming porous borders and inadequate security presence for the recurring violence.

In several recent incidents across Kwara, victims have been abducted from homes, farmlands, and religious gatherings, raising concerns about the safety of rural communities.

The development has also heightened fears among religious groups, with attacks on worshippers increasingly reported in parts of the country.