Gunmen who abducted worshippers at an Evangelical Church Winning All in Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Sunday have made a ₦1 billion ransom demand for their release. The attack occurred during a church service, with armed men invading the church premises while the congregation was worshipping. Several members fled, while others were taken away by the gunmen. The incident has sent panic waves through the community, with residents and worshippers on edge.
The church's presiding pastor, Omole Timothy, revealed that the abductors contacted relatives of the victims and presented their demand. According to Timothy, the kidnappers rejected an initial offer of ₦1 million and warned families against making any counter-offers. The pastor also disclosed that he managed to speak with some of the abducted victims, including his wife, who complained of thirst and a head injury sustained by an elderly man after being struck with a gun.
Security concerns in the area have intensified following reports of another attack in the nearby Oro-Ago community. Gunmen invaded the town on Wednesday evening, killing a vigilante commander and shooting the community's chief security officer, popularly known as the Olu-òde.
The ₦1 billion ransom demand is a staggering figure that highlights the brazen nature of these kidnappers. The fact that they rejected an initial offer of ₦1 million and warned families against making counter-offers raises serious concerns about their intentions. The Kwara State government must take immediate action to ensure the safe release of the abducted worshippers and bring the perpetrators to justice. The security situation in the area demands a more robust response, and the government must provide adequate support to the community. The people of Oro-Ago community are living in fear, and it is the government's responsibility to protect them.
