Families and residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have welcomed the return of the three remaining worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Omugo, who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.
The three women, one of whom is a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
Although five of the abducted worshippers reportedly died while in captivity, the remaining three were rescued following a coordinated security operation targeting criminal hideouts in forests located along the Kwara-Kogi border.
The President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the victims’ return as a moment filled with both joy and sorrow, noting that while the community was celebrating the release of the survivors, it continued to mourn those who lost their lives.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Thompson expressed gratitude to God for the safe return of the women.
“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.
“Indeed, God has once again shown that He hears and answers the prayers of His people. To Him alone be all the glory,” he said.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Thompson described the church attack as one of the most painful experiences in the history of Omugo Community.
According to him, residents endured more than three months of uncertainty, fear and emotional distress while praying continuously for the safe return of the kidnapped worshippers.
“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 stated.
While celebrating the release of the survivors, Thompson also paid tribute to the five worshippers who died while being held by the kidnappers.
He described their deaths as a painful tragedy that would remain in the hearts of the community.
“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.
“On behalf of the Omugo Development Union, I extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community. May the Almighty God comfort every grieving family and grant eternal rest to the souls of our departed brothers and sisters,” he added.
Thompson commended the efforts of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security operatives for their commitment to securing the release of the captives.
“We sincerely appreciate the government at all levels, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups, and all security personnel whose courage, professionalism and relentless efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the remaining captives,” he said.
He also praised the traditional leadership of the community, particularly the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and members of the Council of Chiefs, for providing leadership, encouragement and support throughout the difficult period.
The community leader further appreciated sons and daughters of Omugo, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, for their financial assistance, prayers and unwavering solidarity.
Calling for renewed confidence in the community’s security, Thompson appealed to residents who had relocated due to insecurity to return home.
“I also encourage you all to return home, as all arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of lives and property in our community,” he said.
Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, disclosed that sustained military pressure on the kidnappers forced them to release several victims being held in camps located within forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
According to the security group, the operation involved personnel from the military, the police, hunters and local vigilante groups in Kogi State.
“A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising the military, police, hunters and vigilante groups, has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
“The relieving news filtered in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families,” the group said.
The pastor of ECWA Omugo, Rev. Sunday Omole, also confirmed that the church had received the three women and urged Christians to continue praying for their complete recovery after the traumatic experience.
“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 stated.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not answered as of the time this report was filed.
