Suspected gunmen have demanded a ransom of N1 billion after abducting worshippers during a church service in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, ENigeria Newspaper has learnt.
The attackers stormed an Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) church in Omugo community, via Oro-Ago, on Sunday morning, abducting between eight and nine worshippers and throwing the area into panic.
A source, as disclosed by LEADERSHIP, revealed that the abductors contacted the community on Wednesday, insisting that the victims would only be released upon payment of the N1 billion ransom.
According to the source, an initial offer of N1 million by the community was rejected, with the kidnappers demanding that all communities within the Oro-Ago axis contribute to raising the amount.
TThe report also said that the pastor of the church, Omole Timothy, whose wife is among those kidnapped, confirmed that the abductors had reached out to the church with their demand.
He said the kidnappers warned against negotiating the sum or delaying payment, adding that he was briefly allowed to speak with his wife.
The incident occurred during the church’s weekly service, when the armed assailants invaded the premises and whisked the worshippers away into the forest.
