Family pleads for release of hearing-impaired widow kidnapped in Kwara

Nearly three months after armed bandits abducted a hearing-impaired widow and mother of seven during a church service in Kwara State, her family, community members, disability advocates and human rights stakeholders have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure her release.

The victim, Mosunmola Adekunle, was among eight worshippers kidnapped on March 22, 2026, when gunmen invaded an Evangelical Church Winning All church in Omugo community, Oro-Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Speaking to PUNCH Online in Ilorin on Friday, the Executive Director of Jibore Foundation, Mrs Joy Bolarin, described the continued captivity of the woman as painful and unacceptable, especially considering her disability and family circumstances.

Bolarin said Adekunle, who is hearing-impaired and cannot speak, had gone to church to worship when the attackers struck and whisked away eight members of the congregation into the forest.

“Anytime it rains, I remember there is a person with disability inside the bush. The particular case that brought about today’s press briefing is that of my fellow woman, Mrs Mosunmola Adekunle,” she said.

According to her, the victim is a hardworking and cheerful woman whose disability already placed her at a disadvantage even before her abduction.

“This woman had joined others to worship God in church. She was not attending a party or social gathering. Yet bandits invaded the church and abducted eight people, including her. The kidnappers did not even consider that she is a person with disability,” Bolarin said.

She expressed concern over the physical and emotional trauma the woman might be enduring in captivity, noting that her inability to hear verbal instructions could expose her to greater danger.

“She cannot hear gunshots. If instructions are given verbally, she may not understand. It is heartbreaking to imagine what she is going through in the forest. It is almost three months now, and we cannot continue to keep silent,” she added.

“We sympathise with all victims of kidnapping across the country, but we are specifically drawing attention to the plight of persons with disabilities. We are calling on the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, local authorities, security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to rescue Mrs Mosunmola and others still in captivity,” she said.

The foundation’s executive director further highlighted the devastating impact of the abduction on the victim’s family, revealing that Adekunle was already a widow before she was kidnapped.

“Who will care for her children? Many people talk about banditry and kidnapping, but few remember the aftermath. Many women have become widows. Mrs Mosunmola was already a widow before this tragedy. Now her seven children have been left without their mother,” she said.

Bolarin also cited another case involving a physically challenged resident of the area, Ademola Onijala, who was reportedly abducted by kidnappers last year.

“The kidnappers later informed the family that they had killed and buried him despite ransom payments being made. Up till today, nothing has been heard about him. He left behind a young wife and four children. These stories show the enormous suffering our people are facing,” she said.

According to her, insecurity has crippled social and economic activities in several communities across the area, forcing many residents to flee their homes and businesses.

“The torture our people face in captivity is enormous. Women are subjected to abuse, while entire communities have been displaced. I own a school that has operated for more than 30 years, but we can no longer function because of the insecurity in our area,” she said.

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In an emotional appeal, Adekunle’s sister, Adedokun Rachael, called on President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and all relevant authorities to intervene and rescue the remaining captives.

“My sister is hearing-impaired. She only understands what she sees. She went to church to worship God and was kidnapped. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid,” Rachael said.

She disclosed that information reaching the family indicated that five of the eight worshippers abducted during the church attack had died in captivity.

“We learnt that five of the abducted victims have died, while the remaining three are still in the kidnappers’ den. One escapee confirmed that they are still alive in the forest. We are begging President Tinubu to help us,” she said.

Also speaking, a community elder, Mr Jimoh from Omugo, described the abducted woman as a committed church worker who served faithfully as an usher despite her disability.

“Our sister was an usher in the church. Even though she is hearing-impaired, she served God faithfully and was always cheerful,” the elder said.

The elder recalled that leaders of Omugo community had previously addressed a press conference in Ilorin on April 29 to draw attention to the worsening security situation in the area, but said attacks and kidnappings had continued.

“After that appeal, another farmer was kidnapped but later escaped. He spent more than 10 days finding his way out through Egbe. Part of his ear was cut off by the kidnappers, and he is currently receiving treatment,” he said.

According to him, the escapee later informed the community that five members of the group abducted from the church had died in captivity.

“He told us one of the victims died on his lap. He confirmed that the remaining three captives are still with the kidnappers. We do not know their present condition. Whether it rains or shines, they remain in the forest,” he said.

The elder alleged that women held by kidnappers in the area were often subjected to abuse and called for immediate intervention by the authorities.

“We are calling on all relevant authorities to take urgent action. What is happening in parts of Kwara South, including Oro-Ago, requires immediate intervention,” he said.

Representing the Kwara State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Ajayi Mercy described the situation as a serious human rights concern affecting communities across the state.

“This issue concerns every one of us. From records available to the commission, as of May 2026, more than 390 people had reportedly been killed, while over 200 others had been abducted in various incidents.

“People are living in fear. Insecurity affects every aspect of life, including education, economic activities and access to basic rights. This is why all stakeholders must work together to address the challenge,” she said.