Families and residents of the Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have welcomed with joy the return of the three remaining members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Omugo, who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity. The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers who invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026. While five of the victims reportedly died in captivity, the remaining three regained their freedom following a coordinated security offensive against suspected kidnappers operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border. In a statement issued on Tuesday, President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the return of the three women as a moment of “mixed emotions,” saying the community was celebrating their freedom while mourning those who lost their lives in captivity. He said, “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.” Reflecting on the ordeal, Thompson recalled that the attack on the church remained one of the darkest moments in the history of Omugo, noting that the community endured 105 days of fear, anxiety and unceasing prayers while hoping for the safe return of the victims. “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 said. The community leader also paid tribute to the five worshippers who died in the kidnappers’ den, describing their deaths as a painful loss that would never be forgotten. “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,” Thompson said. “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 security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security personnel for their roles in securing the victims’ release. “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 Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and the Council of Chiefs for providing leadership and encouragement throughout the period of uncertainty, while thanking sons and daughters of Omugo, both at home and in the diaspora, for their financial support, prayers and solidarity. Calling for sustained unity, Thompson urged displaced residents to return home, assuring them that adequate arrangements had been put in place to safeguard lives and property. “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 stated. Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said the victims were released after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers during the coordinated security operation along the Kwara-Kogi border. “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 group said. “The relieving news filtered in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families,” it added. Also confirming the return of the ECWA worshippers, the pastor-in-charge of the church, Rev. Sunday Omole, said the church had received the three women and appealed for prayers for their recovery. “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 said. Efforts to obtain an official reaction 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 responded to as of the time of filing this report.
