A pastor in Kwara State has appealed for urgent assistance after suspected bandits demanded N1 billion to release eight members of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), Omugo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Gatekeepers News reports that the attack occurred on Sunday during church service when gunmen opened fire sporadically to scare the congregation before abducting some worshippers. Speaking with News Central TV on Tuesday, Toba Omole, the pastor-in-charge whose wife is among those abducted, confirmed that eight members remain in captivity.
“This morning, to the glory of God, we heard from our people who were abducted about three days ago. We heard their voices, and I heard my wife’s voice and other members — the men and women that were kidnapped together,” Omole said.
“About eight of them are still there. And right away, the kidnappers made their demand. They requested N1 billion from us in order to secure their release.”
Appealing to both the government and Nigerians for support, the pastor said the ransom demand exceeds the community’s capacity.
“This is beyond our power. We are sincerely in need of your help and assistance. Any negotiations you can make, any efforts you can make to assist us, please kindly do so for us,” he added.
Omole acknowledged the government’s efforts to maintain peace in the state but stressed that more action is needed.
“There is still work to do because eight people – our mothers, fathers, and wives — are still in captivity. My wife is there,” he said.
He also praised security operatives who visited the community after the incident.
“We thank God that yesterday evening, army officers came around 5 pm to visit. We raised concerns about the community being left without protection – no officers, no police. The officer in charge assured us, and by around 7 pm, four soldiers were deployed,” Omole said.
“They stayed with us throughout the night to safeguard the community and put everyone at ease. They left around 8 am this morning. We really appreciate the army officers for what they did.”
