The three residents of Omugo community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State who were rescued on Sunday, alongside the other 19 kidnap victims, were still unconscious.
A relation of one of the victims who pleaded anonymity confided in LEADERSHIP that, ” they (the rescued victims) are still unconscious”. The disclosure by the source followed a request by our reporter to speak with at least one of the rescued kidnap victims.
LEADERSHIP reports that three of the eight Omugo Church worshipers who were abducted by gunmen during a Church service on 22 March 2026 were released on Sunday.
The remaining five victims were said to have died while in captivity.
This is just as the president of Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Thompson, said the victims spent 105 days in the kidnappers’ den.
In a statement titled ” Remembering the Tragic Attack on ECWA Church”, Thompson said:” Today, I address you with mixed feelings—one of deep sorrow and mourning, and the other of overwhelming joy and gratitude to Almighty God.
“On Sunday, 22 March 2026, while a worship service was still in progress at ECWA Church, Omugo, armed kidnappers invaded the church and abducted eight innocent worshippers. That tragic incident remains one of the darkest days in the history of our community.
“For 105 painful days, our community lived in fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and unceasing prayers. Yet, we never gave up hope. We trusted in God, stood together as one people, and believed that He would make a way where there seemed to be none.”
He expressed gratitude to the community and God because “the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families. Indeed, God has once again shown that He hears and answers the prayers of His people. To Him alone be all the glory.”
Thomson added,” Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den. Their untimely deaths have left painful scars on our hearts and a void that can never truly be filled.
“On behalf of the Omugo Development Union, I extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community. May the Almighty God comfort every grieving family, heal every broken heart, and grant eternal rest to the souls of our departed brothers and sisters.”
He thanked the government at all levels, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups, and every security personnel whose courage, professionalism, and relentless efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the remaining captives.
He praised the Oloro of Oro Ago and the Olomugo of Omugo, and their Council of Chiefs, for their exemplary leadership, fatherly concern, steadfast support, and tireless efforts throughout the painful period.
“I also wish to express my deepest appreciation to every son and daughter of Omugo, both at home and in the diaspora, our friends, neighbours, and all well-wishers who stood with us throughout these 105 days of trial. Your support came in many forms—through financial contributions, gifts in kind, words of encouragement, visits, and, above all, fervent prayers. Every contribution, whether great or small, every widow’s mite, and every prayer offered strengthened our resolve and sustained our hope until this joyful day,” Thompson stated.
