Three kidnapped worshipers from the Kwara church regain freedom after 105 days spent in the kidnappers’ den

Three worshipers abducted during an attack on an ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of ​​Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.

PLATFORM TIMES reported that the victims were rescued on Monday by a joint security team made up of personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, ending the months-long captivity of the remaining survivors.

The women were among eight worshipers abducted when heavily armed men invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22 and took worshipers into a nearby forest.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, the Chairman of Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, described the rescue as a moment of relief and grief for the community.

According to him, while the residents celebrated the return of the three women, the memory of the five faithful who died in captivity remained painful.

“Today, with grateful hearts, we give all the glory to Almighty God as the three mothers who remained in captivity have finally regained their freedom and been reunited with their families,” Thompson said.

“Even as we celebrate this joyous reunion, our hearts remain heavy with sorrow as we remember the five precious worshipers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den. Their untimely deaths have left painful scars on our hearts and a void that can never be truly filled.”

He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, the ECWA Church and the entire Omugo community, praying for divine comfort for those affected by the tragedy.

Thompson also commended the security agencies for their efforts to secure the release of the victims and appreciated the traditional rulers, including the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and members of the traditional council, for standing by the affected families throughout the ordeal.

He equally acknowledged the financial, moral and spiritual support of members of the Omugo community at home and in the diaspora during the 105 days of crisis.

The community leader urged residents who fled the area due to insecurity to return, assuring them that measures had been put in place to improve security and protect lives and property.

The kidnapping had sparked widespread outrage after armed men burst into the church during worship and kidnapped eight worshipers.

Despite prolonged negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly killed five of the captives, including the wife of the church minister, Rev. Timothy Omole.

The kidnappers had initially asked for a ransom of one billion dollars, but later reduced it during negotiations.

Community members reportedly raised around $20 million and also provided groceries and other materials requested by the kidnappers, but the five victims never returned alive.

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