Terrorists who abducted eight worshippers during a church service in Omugo community, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, demanded a ₦1 billion ransom for their release.
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The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), were reportedly kidnapped during a service in the quiet rural community, sparking fear and outrage among residents of the Oro-Ago axis.
The pastor of the ECWA church, Reverend Omole Timothy, told Channels Television on the phone that the abductors initially made contact with the church and community leaders, insisting on a ransom payment of ₦1 billion drawn from all communities in Oro-Ago.
According to the cleric, desperate efforts to negotiate a lower ransom have so far been unsuccessful, as the terrorists rejected an offer of ₦1 million and warned against further negotiations involving lower sums.
“They called us and told us they are in good spirits, but they demanded ₦1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago.
“We are pleading with them to leave Oro aside and discuss only about the victims that were kidnapped, but they did not listen to us yesterday,” the pastor said.
He added that the kidnappers later re-established contact but remained adamant, dismissing all attempts at negotiation.
“But today they responded, and we are begging with ₦1 million. They told us not to talk about ₦20 million, not ₦50 million, not even ₦100 million, and they switched off the phone. Since then, we have not heard from them,” he said.
Reverend Timothy further disclosed that he was able to briefly speak with his wife, who is among the abducted victims, alongside other captives.
“Yes, I spoke with her and others. They were complaining that they are all thirsty. No one was injured except an elderly man who was hit with a gun on his head,” he said.
The incident has heightened anxiety across communities in Ifelodun LGA, with residents calling on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the safe release of the victims.
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