Nigeria church kidnapping victims freed after weeks in captivity

In Imo State, eight officers of the Scripture Union were abducted on 14 June while traveling from a conference in Okigwe. They were released on 5 July, exactly 21 days after the kidnapping. National Chairman Willy Onu confirmed their safe return but did not disclose whether a ransom was paid.

In Kwara State, eight worshippers were seized during a March 22 attack on the ECWA Church in Omugo. After 105 days, three surviving women were rescued by a joint security operation involving the army, DSS, police and vigilantes. Five of the original abductees died while held captive, and the kidnappers had demanded a one‑billion‑naira ransom, later reduced during negotiations. Community leaders praised the rescue and called for continued security measures.

Both incidents highlight the ongoing threat of armed kidnappings targeting religious groups in Nigeria.