Three worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo, Kwara State, have regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.
The victims were among eight worshippers abducted during a Sunday service on March 22, 2026, when suspected kidnappers attacked the church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were rescued following a coordinated security operation targeting kidnappers operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
Community leaders said the development has brought both relief and sorrow, as five of the abducted worshippers reportedly died while in captivity.
President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, said residents were grateful for the safe return of the women but continued to mourn those who lost their lives during the ordeal.
He commended security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services, the armed forces and local vigilante groups, for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
The Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said the rescue was achieved after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers through a joint operation involving security forces from Kogi State.
The pastor in charge of ECWA Omugo, Rev. Sunday Omole, confirmed the release of the worshippers and called on members of the church and the community to continue praying for the women’s recovery after their long period in captivity.
