Bandits who abducted who abducted eight members of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), Omugo, in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara state, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
On Sunday, March 22, the bandits attacked the church during church service and abducted some members eight members.
In an interview with News Central TV on Tuesday, the pastor in charge of the church
Toba Omole, whose wife was among the victims, said the bandits demanded for N1 billion ransom for their release.
Omole said the bandits made the demand after allowing the community to speak with the abducted victims on Tuesday morning.
He said, “This morning, to the glory of God, we heard from our people who were abducted about three days ago.
“We heard their voices, and I heard my wife’s voice and other members — the men and women that were kidnapped together.
“About eight of them are still there. And right away, the kidnappers made their demand. They requested N1 billion from us in order to secure their release.”
While appealing to the government and Nigerians for assistance, the pastor said the ransom demand was beyond the community’s capacity.
“This is beyond our power. We are sincerely in need of your help and assistance. Any negotiations you can make, any efforts you can make to assist us, please kindly do so for us,” he said.
The cleric acknowledged efforts being made by the government to ensure peace in the state, but said more needed to be done.
“There is still work to do because eight people — our mothers, fathers, and wives — are still in captivity. My wife is there,” he added.
Omole also appreciated the intervention of security operatives who visited the community shortly after the incident.
“We thank God that yesterday evening, army officers came around 5 pm to visit. We raised concerns about the community being left without protection — no officers, no police.
“The officer in charge assured us, and by around 7 pm, four soldiers were deployed,” he said.
“They stayed with us throughout the night to safeguard the community and put everyone at ease.
“They left around 8 am this morning. We really appreciate the army officers for what they did.”
Bandits demand N1bn ransom for release of eight abducted Christian worshippers in Kwara
