Families and residents of Omugo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday celebrated the return of three worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity, bringing a measure of relief to a community still grieving the loss of five others who died while being held by kidnappers.
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The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted when suspected kidnappers attacked ECWA, Omugo, during a Sunday service on 22 March 2026.
Their release followed a coordinated security operation targeting criminal groups operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the development as a moment of both joy and sorrow, saying the community was thankful for the survivors’ safe return while mourning those who did not make it home.
“With grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families,” Thompson said.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Thompson said the attack remained one of the darkest chapters in the community’s history, adding that residents endured more than three months of fear, uncertainty and continuous prayers.
“For 105 painful days, our community lived in fear, anxiety, uncertainty and unceasing prayers. Yet, we never gave up hope. We trusted in God, stood together as one people and believed that He would make a way where there seemed to be none,” he said.
Thompson also paid tribute to the five worshippers who died in captivity, extending condolences to their families, the church and the wider Omugo community.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security personnel for their determined efforts, which he said contributed to the release of the remaining captives.
He also acknowledged the support of traditional rulers, community leaders and Omugo indigenes at home and abroad for standing by affected families throughout the crisis.
Calling for renewed confidence in the community, Thompson urged displaced residents to return home, assuring them that measures had been put in place to improve security and protect lives and property.
The Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said sustained pressure mounted by a combined team of military personnel, 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 welcomed the three women back and appealed for prayers as they begin their recovery.
“With great joy in my heart, I announce that we already received back three of the eight people kidnapped from ECWA Omugo this afternoon. Join us as we pray for their quick recovery in Jesus’ name, amen,” Omole said.
The abduction highlighted growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara and neighbouring Kogi State, where armed gangs have repeatedly targeted travellers and rural communities.
Security agencies have intensified joint operations in the border forests in recent months as authorities seek to curb kidnapping and restore confidence among residents.
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The Kwara State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the latest development as of the time of reporting, despite efforts to obtain a response.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
