Fate of 8 kidnapped ECWA church members hangs in balance…terror gang insist on collecting N1 billion

By our repoter 26.3.2026
Eight members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), have their fate hanging in the balance as the terror gang, which kidnapped them has insisted on collecting N1 billion ransom before they could be set free.
The ECWA members were kidnapped during a church service last Sunday in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The gunmen suspected to be terror group Lakurawa invaded the Church premises, but the prompt response of the security forces prevented them from causing more havoc.
According to Reverend Omole Timothy who was speaking during a chat with Channels Television, the terror gang wants the church and all the surrounding communities of Oro-Ago to cough out N1b ransom payment.
‎“They called us and told us they are in good spirits, but they demanded ₦1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago.
‎“We are pleading with them to leave Oro aside and discuss only about the victims that were kidnapped, but they did not listen to us yesterday,” the pastor said.
‎“But today Thursday they responded, and we are begging with ₦1 million. They told us not to talk about ₦20 million, not ₦50 million, not even ₦100 million, and they switched off the phone. Since then, we have not heard from them,” he said.
‎Reverend Timothy whose wife is among those kidnapped said the victims have been severely traumatised.
‎”I spoke with my wife and the others. They were complaining that they are all thirsty. No one was injured except an elderly man who was hit with a gun on his head.”