By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Family Receives Tragic News Following Failed Efforts to Secure Her Release
A heartbreaking account has emerged surrounding the death of Mrs. Rachael Omole, wife of Pastor Sunday Omole, the minister-in-charge of an ECWA church in Omugo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, following her abduction during an attack on the church earlier this year.
According to reports shared by family sources, Mrs. Omole was among worshippers abducted on March 22, 2026, when armed attackers invaded the church during a service, causing panic among congregants who fled for safety.
Witnesses said that amid the confusion, a mother reportedly left her infant behind while trying to escape. Mrs. Omole noticed the abandoned child, picked up the baby, secured the infant on her back, and attempted to flee. However, the attackers allegedly caught up with her and took her captive along with the baby.
Sources familiar with the incident said that as the abductors moved their captives through the forest, they became frustrated by the slow pace caused by some of the hostages. The baby was reportedly abandoned alongside two elderly captives who were unable to continue the journey.
Following the abduction, the attackers allegedly contacted Pastor Omole and demanded a ransom said to be as high as N1 billion for his wife’s release.
Family members and community leaders reportedly engaged in prolonged negotiations. According to accounts from those involved, the abductors eventually received N20 million, 10 bags of 50kg rice, 50 litres of palm oil, 200 litres of petrol, and several cartons of pain-relief medications. Despite these efforts, Mrs. Omole was not released.
The kidnappers allegedly made additional demands, including N200 million, a medium-sized generator, and other supplies, requests that the family was unable to meet.
The family’s hopes of seeing Mrs. Omole alive were shattered recently when an escapee from the kidnappers’ camp reportedly informed them that she had endured severe hardship in captivity before eventually being killed.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not publicly confirmed the circumstances surrounding her death. Community members and church leaders have continued to mourn her loss, describing her as a compassionate woman whose final known act was attempting to save an abandoned child during the attack.
The tragic development has renewed concerns over insecurity and attacks on religious communities in parts of Nigeria, with residents calling for stronger measures to protect worshippers and rural communities from criminal violence.
Mrs. Omole is being remembered by many as a woman of courage and selflessness whose actions during the attack reflected her commitment to helping others, even in the face of grave danger.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement confirming the details surrounding her reported death.
