Three female worshippers abducted during an attack on an ECWA Church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the victims were rescued on Monday by a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, bringing an end to the months-long captivity of the remaining survivors.
The women were among eight worshippers kidnapped when heavily armed men invaded the church during a Sunday service on March 22 and whisked congregants into a nearby forest.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, President of the Omugo Development Union, Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson, described the rescue as a moment of both relief and sorrow for the community.
According to him, while residents were celebrating the return of the three women, the memories of the five worshippers who died in captivity remained painful.
“Today, with grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families,” Thompson said.
“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.”
He extended condolences to the bereaved families, the ECWA Church and the entire Omugo community, praying for divine comfort for those affected by the tragedy.
Thompson also commended the security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims and appreciated traditional rulers, including the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and members of the traditional council, for standing by the affected families throughout the ordeal.
He equally acknowledged the financial, moral and spiritual support of members of the Omugo community at home and in the diaspora during the 105-day crisis.
The community leader urged residents who fled the area over insecurity to return, assuring them that measures had been put in place to improve security and protect lives and property.
The abduction had sparked widespread outrage after gunmen stormed the church during worship and kidnapped eight congregants.
Despite prolonged negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly killed five of the captives, including the wife of the church’s minister, Rev. Timothy Omole.
The abductors had initially demanded a ransom of N1 billion before reducing the amount during negotiations.
Community members reportedly raised about N20 million and also supplied food items and other materials demanded by the kidnappers, but the five victims never returned alive.
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