Kwara family seeks help over kidnapped hearing-impaired widow

The family of a hearing-impaired widow and mother of seven, Mosunmola Adekunle, has appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure her release after she was abducted by bandits in Kwara State.

Adekunle was kidnapped on March 22, 2026, alongside seven other worshippers when gunmen invaded an Evangelical Church Winning All congregation in Omugo community, Oro-Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area during a church service.

She has since remained in captivity for nearly three months, sparking concern among her family, community members, disability advocates and human rights stakeholders.

Speaking in Ilorin on Friday, the Executive Director of Jibore Foundation, Mrs Joy Bolarin, described Adekunle’s continued captivity as painful and unacceptable, especially given her disability and vulnerable condition.

Bolarin said Adekunle, who is both hearing-impaired and unable to speak, was taken away while worshipping in church, stressing that the attackers did not consider her condition during the invasion.

She said the victim had gone to church for worship when the gunmen struck and abducted eight congregants, whisking them into the forest.

According to her, Adekunle’s condition places her at additional risk in captivity, as she cannot hear verbal instructions or respond easily to threats in dangerous situations.

“It is heartbreaking to imagine what she is going through in the forest. She cannot hear gunshots, and if instructions are given verbally, she may not understand,” Bolarin said.

She added that the foundation and concerned stakeholders could no longer remain silent on the matter, calling for urgent intervention from the Federal Government, Kwara State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities.

Bolarin also urged authorities to strengthen rescue operations and ensure special attention is given to persons with disabilities who fall victim to abduction.

Adekunle’s sister, Adedokun Rachael, also made an emotional appeal to President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and other stakeholders to intervene and secure her release.

She said the family had been thrown into distress since the abduction, adding that Adekunle was already a widow before the incident and is now survived by seven children.

“My sister is hearing-impaired. She only understands what she sees. She went to church to worship God and was kidnapped. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid,” she said.

She further disclosed that the absence of their mother had left the children without care and protection, calling on authorities to prioritise efforts to bring her home safely.

A community elder in Omugo, Mr Jimoh, also described Adekunle as a devoted church worker who served as an usher despite her disability, noting that she was well known for her commitment and cheerful disposition.

He said insecurity in the area had continued despite previous appeals by residents and community leaders for government intervention.

Jimoh recalled that community leaders had earlier held a press conference in Ilorin on April 29 to draw attention to the worsening security situation in the area, but said attacks had persisted.

He also alleged that other victims of abduction in the region had suffered severe hardship, with some reportedly dying in captivity, while others remain unaccounted for.

According to him, insecurity has forced many residents to abandon their homes and farmlands, crippling economic activities in affected communities.

Representing the Kwara State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Ajayi Mercy, described the situation as a serious human rights concern, noting that insecurity has continued to affect communities across the state.

She said available records showed that hundreds of people had been killed or abducted in various incidents, adding that insecurity had disrupted education, livelihoods and access to basic rights.

Ajayi called for coordinated efforts by security agencies, government institutions and stakeholders to address the growing crisis and protect vulnerable communities.

Stakeholders have continued to urge intensified security operations in Kwara South, calling for urgent action to rescue all remaining captives and curb further attacks in the region.