Families and members of the Omugo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have celebrated the return of the three remaining worshippers of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Omugo, who regained their freedom after spending 105 days in captivity.

The three women, including a hearing-impaired widow, were among eight worshippers abducted by suspected kidnappers who invaded the church during a Sunday service on 22 March 2026.

While five of the victims reportedly died in captivity, the remaining three regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation against suspected kidnappers operating in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, President of the Omugo Development Union, Oladimeji Thompson, described the return of the three women as a moment of "mixed emotions", saying the community was celebrating their freedom while mourning those who lost their lives in captivity.

"With grateful hearts, we give all glory to Almighty God because the three remaining mothers in captivity have finally regained their freedom and have been reunited with their families.

"Indeed, God has once again shown that He hears and answers the prayers of His people. To Him alone be all the glory," he said.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Thompson described the attack on the church as one of the darkest moments in the history of Omugo, noting that the community endured 105 days of fear, anxiety, uncertainty and unceasing prayers while hoping for the safe return of the victims.

"For 105 painful days, our community lived in fear, anxiety, uncertainty and unceasing prayers. Yet, we never gave up hope. We trusted in God, stood together as one people and believed that He would make a way where there seemed to be none," he added.

The community leader also paid tribute to the five worshippers who died in the kidnappers' den, describing their deaths as a painful loss that would never be forgotten.

"Even as we celebrate this joyful reunion, our hearts remain heavy with grief as we remember the five precious worshippers who lost their lives in the kidnappers' den.

"On behalf of the Omugo Development Union, I extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, ECWA Church, Omugo, and the entire community. May the Almighty God comfort every grieving family and grant eternal rest to the souls of our departed brothers and sisters," Thompson said.

He commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces, local vigilante groups and other security personnel for their roles in securing the victims' release.

Thompson also praised the Oloro of Oro Ago, the Olomugo of Omugo and the Council of Chiefs for their leadership and encouragement throughout the period of uncertainty. He equally thanked sons and daughters of Omugo, both at home and in the diaspora, for their financial support, prayers and solidarity.

Calling for sustained unity, he urged displaced residents to return home, assuring them that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property in the community.

Earlier, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, disclosed that the victims regained their freedom after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers during a coordinated security operation along the Kwara-Kogi border.

"A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising the military, police, hunters and vigilante groups, has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.

"The relieving news filtered in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families," the group stated.

Also confirming the return of the ECWA worshippers, the Pastor-in-Charge of the church, Rev. Sunday Omole, said the church had received the three women and appealed for prayers for their full recovery.

"With great joy in my heart, I announce that we already received back three of the eight people kidnapped from ECWA Omugo this afternoon. Join us as we pray for their quick recovery in Jesus' name, amen," he said.

Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were not responded to as of the time this report was filed.