Terrorists who abducted eight worshippers during a service at an ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, are demanding a ₦1 billion ransom for their release.
The kidnappers reportedly contacted a family member of one of the victims and insisted that the ransom be collected collectively from residents across Oro-Ago.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday, the pastor of the ECWA Church in Omugo, Omole Sunday Timothy, said attempts to negotiate with the kidnappers have so far failed, as they rejected an initial ₦1 million offer. The cleric added that the abductors have maintained a hardline stance, refusing to reduce their demand despite pleas from the community.
“They called us and told us that the victims are in good spirits, but they demanded ₦1 billion from all the communities in Oro-Ago. We are pleading with them to leave Oro and focus on the victims that were kidnapped, but they did not listen to us yesterday”, he said.
He further disclosed that when the kidnappers re-established contact, the community attempted to negotiate by offering ₦1 million, but the terrorists dismissed the proposal and warned against further attempts at bargaining. “Today, when they responded, and we are begging with ₦1 million, they told us not to talk even about ₦20 million, ₦50 million, ₦100 million, and they switched-off the phone. Since then, we have not heard from them”, Timothy added.
It was earlier reported that residents of Omogo community were plunged into fear and panic after bandits attacked an ECWA service on Sunday, brutally assaulting elderly worshippers, including a 90-year-old blind woman, and abducting eight people, among them the wife of a pastor.
The latest attack marks the third time bandits have targeted the community, raising renewed concerns over the escalating insecurity in the area.
