Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Kwara State, has expressed deep concern and profound grief over the worsening insecurity affecting many Communities across Kwara State, particularly in Kwara South and Kwara North.
ECWA in Kwara State comprising the six District Church Councils (DCCs) Patigi DCC, Ilorin DCC, Omu-Aran DCC, Igbaja DCC, Oro-Ago DCC, and Fate-Tanke DCC at its Quarterly Meeting of the ECWA Joint DCCs Forum held on Wednesday 10th June, 2026, members received with great sorrow an update regarding the eight members of ECWA Omugo who were abducted by kidnappers on 22nd March 2026.
According to his account, only three of the eight abducted persons remain alive in captivity, while five have sadly passed on and gone to be with the Lord.
In a Communique issued at the end of the meeting and jointly signed by the Chairman, ECWA Joint DCCs Forum, Kwara State, Rev. Samuel O. Adewumi and Secretary, Rev. Dr. Joseph Agboluaje listed the deceased to include Elder Chief David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs. Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi and Mrs. Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole
They extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the entire ECWA family.
The Forum particularly sympathized with Rev. Dr. S. T. T. Omole on the loss of his beloved wife, Mrs. Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole, and prayed that the God of all comfort will strengthen him and all affected families during this difficult period.
They noted that the tragic loss of these five innocent lives, despite efforts made toward securing their release, has further heightened fear and uncertainty among their members and the general public.
It stressed that the unfortunate incident underscores the urgent need for stronger and more effective security measures across the Communities.
The Forum said their Pastors’ and members now serve and worship under constant fear, as some Ministers have been compelled to abandon their duty posts, while many church members struggle daily to sustain their livelihoods because of the prevailing insecurity.
Consequently, the ECWA Joint DCCs Forum called on the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and all relevant stakeholders to take urgent and decisive action to address the deteriorating security situation in Kwara State.
They specifically appealed for increased deployment of security personnel to vulnerable communities, strengthening of intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives and improved collaboration between security agencies and Local Communities.
The Forum called for swift rescue efforts for those still in captivity and the prosecution of those responsible for these crimes and enhanced protection for rural communities, places of worship, schools, farms, and major roads.
They also called upon all ECWA members and the people of Kwara State to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and united in prayer for peace, security, and justice in the land.
It noted that “as we mourn with those who mourn, we pray that God will grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort to their families, and wisdom, courage, and strength to our leaders and security personnel as they work to restore peace and confidence among the people” .
The Church, the Forum explained remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and the sanctity of human life and firmly believe that through sincere commitment, collaboration, and God’s intervention, Kwara State can once again become a place where communities thrive without fear.
