A teacher employed by the Kwara State Government, Mrs. Remi Rachael Omole, is feared dead following her abduction during an attack on a church in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, according to a moving tribute released by a family member.
Mrs. Omole was among eight worshippers reportedly kidnapped when suspected jihadist militants attacked the ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro-Ago community, on March 22, 2026.
In a lengthy account shared by her brother-in-law, Prince Dapo Olakulehin, the deceased had weeks earlier expressed concerns about the worsening security situation in the area during a conversation with her sister.
According to the tribute, Mrs. Omole and her husband, the pastor of the ECWA Church in Omugo, had considered relocating from the community because of rising insecurity but remained due to their professional and religious responsibilities.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 10 a.m. during a church service, with the assailants abducting eight worshippers and taking them into the forest.
The family described Mrs. Omole as a dedicated teacher, wife and mother who displayed remarkable courage during the attack. According to the account, she attempted to rescue an abandoned infant amid the chaos, carrying the child on her back while fleeing from the attackers.
However, the kidnappers allegedly captured her and later removed the child from her custody, abandoning the infant and two elderly victims in the forest. The abandoned victims were reportedly rescued later that day, while Mrs. Omole and seven others remained in captivity.
The family said the abductors later established contact and initially demanded a ransom of N1 billion. The demand was subsequently reduced to N20 million, along with food items, fuel and medical supplies.
According to the family, relatives, friends and well-wishers mobilised resources to meet the demands in the hope of securing the captives’ release. However, the kidnappers allegedly made additional demands, including N200 million and other supplies, despite receiving the earlier items.
The situation took a tragic turn when an individual who reportedly escaped from a nearby militant camp emerged on June 3 and provided information about the fate of some of the abductees.
According to the family, the escapee claimed that Mrs. Omole and four other captives had been killed while in captivity, leaving only three members of the abducted group still alive.
As of the time of this report, authorities had not publicly confirmed the deaths or provided an official update on the status of the remaining captives.
In the emotional tribute, the family expressed frustration over what it described as a lack of effective intervention by authorities and lamented the loss of a woman remembered for her compassion, dedication and faith.
The tribute also highlighted the broader security challenges confronting communities in parts of Kwara State and other areas affected by attacks, kidnappings and violent extremism.
Mrs. Omole is survived by her husband, children and extended family members, who continue to seek answers and hope for justice following the tragedy.
