Abductors of Kwara church worshippers demand N1bn ransom

Eight worshippers of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) in Omugo, via Oro-Ago, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state, were abducted by armed bandits during a Sunday service last week. The abductors have since contacted the community, demanding N1 billion as ransom for the victims' release.

The community initially offered N1 million, but the abductors rejected the amount, insisting that all communities in the Oro-Ago axis must contribute to the N1 billion ransom. This demand has put the community in a difficult situation, with the pastor of ECWA Church, Omole Timothy, confirming that the abductors have contacted the church directly.

The pastor's wife is among the abducted worshippers, and he was allowed to speak briefly with her. The security agencies and state government have yet to comment on the situation.

The brazen demand of N1 billion by the abductors of Kwara church worshippers raises serious questions about the state's capacity to protect its citizens. The fact that the abductors have directly contacted the community and the church underscores the vulnerability of the people. The state government's silence on the matter is equally concerning, given the gravity of the situation. The economic burden of such a ransom on the community is significant, and it is imperative that the government takes decisive action to ensure the safe release of the abducted worshippers.