Abductors of eight worshippers from Omugo community in Oro-Ago District, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reduced their ransom demand from N1bn to N150m.

The victims were kidnapped on March 22 during a church service at the Evangelical Church of West Africa, an incident that has since plunged the community into fear and mass displacement.

Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, Jimoh Olaitan disclosed that although the ransom was reduced, the kidnappers remain adamant about collecting the N150m.

He noted that the amount is still far beyond what the victims’ families and the community can afford, leaving relatives in deep distress.

Olaitan lamented that the security situation has worsened significantly, with many residents fleeing their homes and the community now largely deserted. According to him, only local vigilantes and hunters remain to guard abandoned properties.

He also raised an alarm over the absence of police personnel at the community’s police post, describing the situation as alarming and dangerous.

The community has called on the Federal Government, Kwara State Government, and security agencies to urgently intervene, deploy security personnel, and carry out a coordinated rescue operation to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.