Crime
Last Three Kidnapped ECWA Worshippers Freed After 100 Days in Captivity
The last three survivors among eight worshippers abducted during a Sunday morning service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom.
Bukola Olawole, Rachael Omopariola, and Mosunmola Adekunle were released by their abductors after spending approximately 100 days in captivity. The trio is currently receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation at a faith-based hospital in Omuaran.
One of the freed victims, Madam Rachael Omopariola, who is in her late sixties, recounted the harrowing experiences of their ordeal but declined to appear on camera due to her physical condition.
The Pastor in charge of ECWA Church Omugo, Rev. Timothy Omole, revealed that the kidnappers had contacted him, asking him to come and collect the remaining captives on a specified date. He declined the invitation, citing fears that he and others could also be abducted. Instead, he urged the bandits to release the victims at a safe location.
A relative of one of the freed victims, Rachael Adelodun, described the intense pain and trauma the families endured throughout the long period of uncertainty, particularly concerning Mosunmola Adekunle, who is deaf and dumb.
Tragically, five of the original eight hostages died while in captivity. Among the deceased were Pa Afolayan Omopariola and the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Omole.
Stakeholders in the area have renewed calls for improved security across Kwara State, with particular emphasis on the southern senatorial district, to prevent future incidents of banditry and kidnapping.
The release brings a measure of relief to the community, even as residents continue to grapple with the losses and the lingering impact of the abduction.
Boko Haram militants have launched a deadly invasion of a community in Adamawa State, killing several residents and setting multiple houses ablaze.
The attack, described by local sources as sudden and coordinated, saw the fighters storm the area, opening fire on civilians and torching homes. Survivors reported scenes of chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the assault. A number of people were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
The burning of houses has left many families displaced, with properties and livelihoods destroyed in the violence. The community remains tense, and residents are calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.
Security forces are yet to issue a comprehensive official update on the incident, though reports indicate that troops have been mobilised to the area.
The assault is the latest in a series of raids attributed to the group in the northeast, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents in Adamawa and neighbouring states.
More than 23 terrorists have been killed in renewed fighting between rival Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State, security sources say.
The latest clashes erupted around the Chingolo axis of Bama Local Government Area after Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP members advancing into the area. The fighting forms part of a fresh wave of hostilities that began about two days ago.
A video obtained by Zagazola Makama shows sustained exchanges of fire as both groups tried to consolidate positions and block the other from expanding influence inside the forest.
Preliminary intelligence puts the death toll at more than 23 on both sides since the latest round began, though exact figures for each faction could not be independently verified.
The violence underscores the ongoing rivalry between Boko Haram and ISWAP over territory, access routes, resources and control of fighters in Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas. The confrontation has further weakened both groups and disrupted their activities in a long-standing insurgent stronghold.
Security forces are closely monitoring the situation and exploiting intelligence on the factions’ movements. The military continues to target terrorist concentrations, logistics networks and hideouts across the North-East as part of efforts to degrade the insurgents.
Officials have urged communities near the forest to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements. The situation remains fluid, with further clashes possible as both sides seek to reposition and reinforce their fighters.
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The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that 10 of the 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by suspected bandits along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued.
Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi said security operatives are combing surrounding forests and intensifying efforts to free the remaining victims.
He dismissed reports that the 10 rescued corps members were among the 11 persons freed during a joint security operation last week, clarifying that those earlier rescued were other travellers caught up in the same kidnapping incident.
The commissioner added that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.
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