Three female worshippers abducted during an attack on an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) congregation in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.
The women were rescued on Monday by a joint team of security operatives comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, bringing an end to a painful ordeal that began when armed men stormed the church during a Sunday worship service on March 22.
The rescue was confirmed on Tuesday by the President of the Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, who described the development as a day of both joy and sorrow for the community.
According to him, while residents are grateful that the three women have finally reunited with their families, the community continues to mourn the five worshippers who died while in the custody of their abductors.
“Today, 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.
“Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den. Their untimely deaths have left painful scars on our hearts and a void that can never truly be filled.”
The victims were among eight worshippers kidnapped on March 22 when heavily armed men invaded the ECWA Church in Omugo during a church service. The attackers reportedly forced the worshippers into the surrounding forest, leaving the community in shock and sparking widespread concern across Kwara State.
The incident triggered frantic efforts by security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and the families of the victims to secure their release.
However, despite months of negotiations and appeals, five of the abductees, including the wife of the church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole, died in captivity before they could be rescued.
Their deaths cast a dark shadow over the efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and deepened the grief within the Omugo community.
According to community leaders, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N1 billion before reducing the amount during negotiations.
Residents, relatives and well-wishers reportedly mobilised resources to meet part of the demands. Community members were said to have raised about N20 million, while also providing food items and other supplies requested by the kidnappers in the hope of saving the lives of the captives.
Despite these efforts, the five victims did not survive.
The successful rescue of the remaining three women has therefore brought some relief to families and residents after more than three months of uncertainty.
Thompson extended condolences to the families of those who died, as well as members of ECWA Church, Omugo, praying that God would comfort everyone affected by the tragedy.
He also expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their efforts in securing the freedom of the three surviving victims.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the importance of cooperation among the military, intelligence agencies, the police and local vigilantes in tackling insecurity.
The community leader also praised traditional rulers in the area for standing by the affected families throughout the difficult period.
He specifically paid tribute to the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and members of the traditional council for providing leadership, encouragement and support during the crisis.
He further acknowledged the contributions of sons and daughters of Omugo living within Nigeria and abroad, saying their financial support, prayers and encouragement helped sustain the community throughout the 105-day ordeal.
Thompson urged residents who fled Omugo because of insecurity to return home, assuring them that steps had been taken to improve security and protect lives and property.
He called on community members to remain united and continue working together to rebuild the area after the painful experience.
According to him, the unity displayed by residents during the crisis should be sustained to promote peace, development and stronger security within the community.
The abduction in Omugo is one of several kidnapping incidents recorded in parts of Kwara State and neighbouring states in recent years.
Although Kwara has generally been regarded as one of Nigeria’s relatively peaceful states, communities in parts of Ifelodun Local Government Area and other border areas have increasingly faced attacks by armed criminal groups operating from forests that stretch across neighbouring states.
In response to the growing security challenges, the military, police, DSS, civil defence and local vigilante groups have intensified joint operations across several parts of the North Central region to dismantle criminal hideouts and rescue kidnap victims.
The latest rescue operation in Omugo is expected to boost public confidence in the ongoing security efforts, even as residents continue to call for stronger measures to prevent future attacks.
For many families in Omugo, however, the return of the three women is bittersweet. While they celebrate the safe return of their loved ones after 105 days in captivity, they are also mourning five community members whose lives were cut short during the tragic ordeal.