Families and residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have celebrated the release of the three remaining worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Omugo, after spending 105 days in captivity.
The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026.
Their release followed a coordinated security operation against suspected kidnappers operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border. Five of the abducted worshippers were earlier reported to have died while in captivity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the 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.
Thompson thanked God for the safe return of the victims and recalled that the community endured 105 days of fear, uncertainty and continuous prayers during the period of their captivity.
He extended condolences to the families of the five worshippers who died, describing their deaths as a painful loss that would remain in the memory of the community.
The community leader also commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security operatives for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He further appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders and indigenes of Omugo at home and in the diaspora for their support, prayers and solidarity throughout the ordeal.
Thompson urged residents who fled the community because of insecurity to return home, assuring them that adequate measures had been put in place to protect lives and property.
Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, disclosed that the victims regained their freedom after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers during a coordinated operation by security forces along the Kwara-Kogi border.
Also confirming the development, the Pastor-in-Charge of ECWA Omugo, Rev. Sunday Omole, announced that the three women had been reunited with the church and appealed to Christians to pray for their full recovery.
