Five members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) abducted during a church attack in Kwara State are feared dead while in captivity, according to information reported by The PUNCH.

The victims were among eight worshippers kidnapped by armed men during a church service at ECWA Church, Omugo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area on March 22, 2026.

According to the report, information about the alleged deaths surfaced after one of the captives reportedly escaped from the kidnappers’ den and relayed details of the situation.

Sources familiar with the development said that families of the abducted worshippers had already been informed, although the exact circumstances surrounding the reported deaths remain unclear.

“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform you that out of eight people who were abducted from ECWA Omugo on March 22, 2026, only three people are still with the kidnappers. The remaining five have gone to be with the Lord,” a source was quoted as saying.

The deceased victims were identified as David Omopariola, Joseph Afariogun, Iyabo Aniyi, Joshua Adeyemi and Rachel Omole, the wife of pastor Omole.

However, the Kwara State Police Command said it had not received any official report confirming the deaths.

Speaking on the development, the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the police were unaware of any information indicating that the abductees had been killed.

“The command is not aware of such an incident, especially relating to the abductees being killed. Nonetheless, I will do my findings,” she said.

The worshippers were abducted when gunmen invaded the church during a service and opened fire to create panic before forcing congregants into a nearby forest.

Police authorities had earlier confirmed that many of those abducted were elderly worshippers, with some reportedly over 70 years old.

Relatives of the victims later disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.

Although negotiations reportedly led to a reduction in the ransom demand and family members allegedly paid about N20 million alongside food items and beverages, the victims were not freed.

The incident is the latest in a series of security challenges affecting parts of Kwara State.

In recent months, communities in Kaiama, Baruten, Edu, Ifelodun and Ekiti local government areas have witnessed recurring cases of kidnappings, attacks on worshippers, raids on rural settlements and assaults on traditional institutions.

On May 24, gunmen reportedly attacked worshippers during a night vigil in Ekiti Local Government Area and abducted several people.

Less than 48 hours later, suspected terrorists invaded Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, kidnapping members of the emir’s family and other residents.

Security agencies have since intensified operations across vulnerable communities, while residents continue to call for stronger measures to address the worsening security situation across the state.