Bandits Demand N150 Million Ransom for Abducted Kwara Worshippers, Community Cries Out

Residents of Omugo community in the Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, have voiced grave concerns regarding the continued captivity of eight abducted worshippers. They revealed that the kidnappers are steadfastly demanding a ₦150 million ransom for the safe return of the individuals, urging for immediate intervention from the government and security agencies.

This plea was articulated during a press conference held on Thursday by the community's spokesperson, Olaitan Tajudeen Jimoh, who highlighted the escalating insecurity in the area.

The victims were initially abducted on March 22, 2026, while attending a church service at the Evangelical Church Winning All in Omugo. This incident marks the third such attack on the community within the past six months, according to local reports.

Jimoh stated that the latest abduction has intensified fear and displacement among residents, with many reportedly abandoning their homes.

He described the situation as a severe breach of security and an attack on the community's faith and existence, noting that residents are fleeing their homes.

The spokesperson added that the abducted individuals, many of whom are elderly, are being held under challenging circumstances, characterizing the situation as a humanitarian crisis.

He revealed that the initial ransom demand from the abductors was ₦1 billion, which was later reduced to ₦150 million.

Jimoh emphasized that this sum is beyond the financial capacity of the affected families.

The community also expressed deep concern over persistent security lapses, warning that inaction could embolden criminals and lead to the spread of violence to adjacent areas.

Among their requests, the community is calling for an immediate, intelligence- led rescue operation involving federal and state authorities, as well as security agencies.

They also appealed for the deployment of personnel to a police station constructed by the community but yet to become operational, pointing out that its inactivity leaves the area vulnerable.

Furthermore, the community proposed the establishment of a Joint Task Force base, comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to ensure a swift and consistent security presence.

The group also advocated for the formal integration of local vigilante groups and hunters into the security framework, recognizing their intimate knowledge of the terrain as invaluable in combating armed groups.

While acknowledging past efforts by the state government in 2025, the community urged authorities to maintain their commitment and stressed that the current crisis necessitates urgent and sustained action.

Revd Sunday Omole, who was officiating during the incident, commented that several communities have been left deserted.

The clergyman added that the community has been living in fear and anxiety since the abduction, describing the trauma experienced by the families of the captives, who have now been held for 18 days, as deeply distressing.