Suspected bandits have reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion to free eight abducted members of the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA), Omugo, in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara state.
Gunmen had attacked the church on Sunday, shooting
sporadically during service to scare the congregation and abducted some
members.
Speaking in an interview with News Central TV on Tuesday,
Toba Omole, the pastor-in-charge of the church, whose wife was among the
victims, said eight members of the church are still in captivity.
Omole said the bandits made the demand after allowing the
community to speak with the abducted victims on Tuesday morning.
“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,” Omole said.
“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.”
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