Fresh fears have emerged over the fate of worshippers kidnapped from an Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) congregation in the Omugo community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, following reports that five of the abductees may have died while in captivity.

The victims were among eight worshippers abducted by armed men during an attack on the church on March 22, 2026.

Sources familiar with the situation on Wednesday said that the information reportedly came from one of the captives who escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout.

A source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter, disclosed that relatives of the victims had already been informed about the alleged deaths.

According to the source, the wife of the church minister, Pastor Omole, is among those feared to have lost their lives while being held captive.

“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,” the source said.

The source named the deceased victims as Elder David Omopariola, Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun, Mrs Iyabo Aniyi, Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi, and Mrs Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole.

“May God console their immediate families and the church at large,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged deaths remained unclear, and details regarding where or how the victims reportedly died could not be independently verified.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command had not received any official report confirming the deaths of the abducted worshippers.

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

The abduction occurred on March 22 when gunmen stormed the ECWA Church in Omugo during a worship service. Witnesses said the attackers fired shots sporadically to create panic before forcing worshippers into a nearby forest.

Eight church members were taken away during the attack, with police authorities later revealing that most of the victims were elderly individuals aged around 70 years.

Following the kidnapping, the abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the victims’ release.

Although the ransom demand was later said to have been reduced during negotiations, reports indicated that relatives eventually paid N20 million along with food items and drinks. Despite the payment, the victims were reportedly not released.

Security agencies had earlier assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abductees and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has said governors across the South-West are strengthening collaboration to improve security in the region amid growing concerns over crime and kidnappings in parts of the country.

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following the conviction of four individuals involved in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Speaking on efforts to address insecurity, Aiyedatiwa stressed that South-West governors are actively working together through coordinated security strategies and regional partnerships.

“What I am saying in essence is that we are talking to ourselves; we are working,” Aiyedatiwa said when asked about the preparedness of governors in the region to tackle insecurity.

“The other day we had a meeting in Oyo State, in Ibadan, where we tried to map out what we need to do together to secure the South-West geopolitical zone, especially with our security network, Amotekun. Don’t forget we have it in Ondo State, Oyo State, Ekiti State, and Ogun State. It is only in Lagos State that they don’t have it, but they have their own security.”

His comments come amid rising concerns over insecurity in parts of the South-West, particularly following the abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State and a recent kidnapping incident in Ekiti State’s Ilejemeje Local Government Area.

The incidents have heightened fears about the safety of residents and communities across the region.

However, Aiyedatiwa maintained that states in the South-West are taking proactive measures to strengthen security and protect residents.

“Now, for us in Ondo State and other South-West states, we stand as a gateway to the South-West because we border a lot of other states from other parts of the country—Kogi, North Central, Kwara (we are not bordered by Kwara directly, but Ekiti is close to us), and then Osun, Ogun and so on,” he said.

“A lot of engagements are going on in our forest reserves that do not come to the public in the news.

“So much work is being done. Security is one responsibility that leaders carry that is not so visible to everybody. It is only when there is a lapse that it will look as if the government has not been doing enough. We have been doing so much.”

Reacting to Wednesday’s court judgment over the Owo church attack, the governor described the verdict as a significant victory for justice and the rule of law.

More than 40 worshippers were killed and several others injured when gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church during a service in Owo in 2022.

Four years later, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four convicted suspects to death by hanging for their roles in the attack.

The convicted men were among five defendants facing terrorism charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the incident.

Responding to the judgment, Aiyedatiwa said residents of Owo and Ondo State welcomed the decision.

“For us in Ondo State, we are happy that this judgment is a victory for the rule of law and for all the victims attacked, not just in Owo, Ondo State, but all who have been attacked at one time or the other by these terrorists,” the former deputy governor said.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved a special compensation package for eligible Band A electricity customers who experienced service disruptions due to power supply shortfalls between February and March 2026.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, the commission said the decision followed significant generation constraints within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), which prevented Distribution Companies (DisCos) from meeting their committed service levels to some Band A customers.

According to NERC, the supply challenges were largely driven by inadequate gas supply and the vandalism of key gas and transmission infrastructure, factors it noted were beyond the direct control of the DisCos.

The compensation arrangement applies specifically to electricity supply shortfalls recorded during February and March 2026.

Under the directive, Band A feeders that maintained an average daily electricity supply of between 18 and 20 hours will continue to receive compensation under the existing framework outlined in Addendum No. NERC/2024/003 for both Maximum Demand (MD) and Non-Maximum Demand (Non-MD) customers.

For Band A feeders that recorded less than 18 hours of daily electricity supply, NERC stated that affected feeders would not be downgraded during the period under review. Instead, eligible Non-MD customers will receive compensation equivalent to 20 per cent of the approved February 2026 energy cap for their respective feeders, while MD customers will receive compensation equal to 20 per cent of the average energy billed per MD customer in February 2026.

The commission explained that prepaid customers will receive compensation through energy token credits, while postpaid customers will benefit through adjustments to their electricity bills.

NERC further directed that compensation for February 2026 must be completed by May 31, 2026, while compensation for March 2026 should be fully implemented on or before June 30, 2026.

The regulator also prohibited DisCos from using the compensation credits to offset existing customer debts and instructed them to clearly communicate the value and period of the compensation provided to beneficiaries.

Reaffirming its commitment to consumer protection, NERC said it remains focused on safeguarding electricity customers while maintaining the stability and sustainability of Nigeria’s power sector.

The commission added that it will continue to monitor implementation closely and verify compliance by DisCos to ensure all eligible customers receive the compensation due to them.

As preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general election gather momentum, one of the most important steps every eligible citizen can take is obtaining a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC).

The PVC is the official document issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that allows Nigerians to participate in elections.

Whether you are registering for the first time, updating your voter information, transferring your voting location, or trying to collect a PVC you previously registered for, understanding the process early can help you avoid last-minute challenges.

According to INEC, voter registration is conducted through its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which allows eligible Nigerians to register and update their records ahead of elections.

How To Register For A PVC In Nigeria

If you have never registered as a voter before, follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the INEC CVR Portal

Go to the official INEC Continuous Voter Registration portal:

The portal allows new voter registration, voter transfers, PVC replacement requests, and updates to voter information.

Step 2: Complete Your Online Pre-Registration

Create an account and fill in your personal details, including your name, address, date of birth, and other required information.
After completing the online form, save your registration slip or reference number.

Step 3: Visit an INEC Registration Centre

Online registration alone is not enough.
You must visit an INEC-designated registration centre to complete biometric capture, including your fingerprints and photograph. INEC does not allow registration by proxy; applicants must appear in person.

Step 4: Complete Biometric Verification

At the registration centre, INEC officials will capture your fingerprints and photograph and verify your details before processing your voter registration.

Step 5: Wait for PVC Production and Collection
After your registration is approved, INEC will notify voters when their PVCs are ready for collection at designated centres. You can also track the status of your PVC through the CVR portal.

Requirements For PVC Registration

To register as a voter in Nigeria, you must meet the following conditions:

• Be a Nigerian citizen.
• Be at least 18 years old on or before the registration date.
• Be ordinarily resident, working, or originating from the Local Government Area, Area Council, or ward where you intend to register.
• Not be under any legal disqualification preventing you from voting.
• Present yourself physically for registration and biometric capture when required.

It is also important to note that multiple registrations are prohibited and can lead to disqualification. A voter should only register once.

Already Registered? Here’s How To Get Your PVC

If you have registered before, you do not need to register again.

Instead, you can:

Check Your PVC Status
Visit the INEC CVR portal and use the PVC tracking or voter verification service to confirm whether your PVC is ready and identify your collection centre.

Transfer Your Registration If You Relocated

If you have moved to another state, local government area, or polling unit, INEC allows registered voters to transfer their registration online or through designated registration centres.

Replace a Lost or Damaged PVC

The INEC portal also provides services for PVC replacement if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or defaced.

Update Your Personal Information

Registered voters can request corrections to personal details such as names, addresses, and other voter information through the CVR platform.

With the 2027 elections approaching, eligible Nigerians are encouraged to register early, update their records where necessary, and collect their PVCs in good time. Having a PVC is the first step toward participating in the democratic process and ensuring your vote counts on election day.

The Oyo State Police Command has begun a manhunt for the gunmen who abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs Busayo John-Paul, along with her twin sons, Peter and Paul.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while Mrs John-Paul was taking her 12-year-old children to school along Ring Road in Ibadan.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had mobilised tactical units and other security resources to facilitate the victims’ safe rescue and bring those responsible to justice.

He said, “Following the report of the incident, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations.

“The command wishes to assure members of the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act.”

The police also appealed to residents to share any information that could support ongoing investigations.

Earlier, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction in a statement issued on behalf of the family.

“The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” the statement read.

Awogboro described the incident as heartbreaking but expressed confidence that security agencies would secure the release of the victims.

“Adebayo Adelabu and the entire family are deeply distressed by this tragic development but remain hopeful and confident in the capacity of the security agencies to secure the safe release of Mrs John-Paul and her children,” he added.

The family urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports that could undermine rescue operations.

Reacting to the incident, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to address the growing insecurity in the state.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party called for an urgent review of the state’s security framework to better protect residents and their property.

The APC noted that the latest abduction comes amid concerns over unresolved kidnapping cases involving teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, as well as two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oluyole Local Government Area.

“No citizen deserves to live in perpetual fear and anxiety, as is the situation with the residents of Oyo at the moment.

“As it stands, nobody is safe anywhere in the state, and it has never been this bad,” the party said.

The opposition party also referenced the kidnapping of one of its chieftains, Wale Oriade, in Ibadan in December 2025.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted to the incident, describing it as another indication of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the development showed that no Nigerian is immune to the country’s growing kidnapping crisis.

“The fact that kidnappers could strike in such a prominent public space without fear of interception speaks volumes about the worsening security situation in the country.

“Kidnappers do not ask for party membership cards before striking. They do not distinguish between APC members and opposition supporters. They do not care whether their victims are ministers, former ministers, traders, teachers, students or farmers,” he said.

He added, “The same insecurity that has turned the lives of ordinary Nigerians into a daily nightmare is now knocking on doors many in government may have assumed were beyond its reach.”

Atiku called on the Federal Government to adopt a more robust intelligence-led strategy to tackle insecurity across the country.

“We need a comprehensive, intelligence-driven strategy capable of dismantling kidnapping syndicates, securing vulnerable communities and restoring public confidence in the state’s ability to protect lives and property,” he said.

Also reacting, APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ololade Bakare, sympathised with Adelabu and his family and urged authorities to act swiftly.

“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, and all available resources and strategic interventions must be deployed without delay,” Bakare said.

He further encouraged residents to stay alert and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“Collective vigilance remains a critical component in enhancing community safety,” he added.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced four members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group to death by hanging for their involvement in the deadly attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which occurred on June 5, 2022.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgment on Wednesday after finding the defendants guilty of terrorism-related charges filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) on behalf of the Federal Government.

The convicted persons are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; and Abdulhaleem Idris, 25.

However, the court discharged and acquitted a fifth defendant, Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47, after ruling that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking him to the attack.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the four convicted men were members of the terrorist group responsible for the attack.

The court found that the convicts were part of an Al-Shabaab terrorist cell operating in Kogi State and took part in the assault on the church during a Pentecost service.

More than 40 worshippers lost their lives, while over 100 others were injured when gunmen invaded the church and launched the attack.

According to the prosecution, the attackers stormed the church, held worshippers hostage and carried out the assault using AK-47 rifles and improvised explosive devices.

To establish its case, the prosecution called 11 witnesses and tendered 23 exhibits, including confessional statements and digital forensic evidence.

Among the exhibits admitted by the court was a mobile device said to contain communications exchanged by the defendants before and after the attack.

A Catholic priest who survived the incident also testified during the trial, describing how the attackers detonated multiple explosive devices inside the church, causing panic and heavy casualties among worshippers.

Justice Nwite ruled that the evidence presented by the prosecution clearly established the involvement of the four convicts in the attack, leading to their conviction and subsequent death sentences on terrorism charges.