Kwara Family Begs for Release of Deaf Widow Abducted in Church

Nearly three months after gunmen stormed a church in Kwara State, the family of a hearing-impaired widow and mother of seven is pleading with the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure her release.

Mosunmola Adekunle was among eight worshippers abducted on March 22, 2026, when armed bandits invaded an Evangelical Church Winning All church in Omugo community, Oro-Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Speaking in Ilorin on Friday, the Executive Director of Jibore Foundation, Mrs. Joy Bolarin, said Adekunle’s continued captivity was painful and unacceptable given her disability and family situation. She explained that the widow, who cannot hear or speak, was in church when the attackers whisked eight members of the congregation into the forest.

“Anytime it rains, I remember there is a person with disability inside the bush,” Bolarin said. “She went to worship God, not to a party or social gathering. Yet the kidnappers did not consider her disability.”

Bolarin raised concerns about the physical and emotional trauma Adekunle may be facing. She noted that the woman’s inability to hear verbal instructions puts her at greater risk in captivity. “She cannot hear gunshots. If instructions are given verbally, she may not understand. It is heartbreaking to imagine what she is going through.”

The foundation is calling on the Federal Government, Kwara State Government, local authorities, and security agencies to rescue Adekunle and others still held. Bolarin also highlighted the impact on the family, saying Adekunle was already a widow before the attack. “Now her seven children have been left without their mother. Few people remember the aftermath of kidnapping.”

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She cited another case involving Ademola Onijala, a physically challenged resident reportedly killed by kidnappers last year despite ransom payments. His family has not heard from him since.

Community elder Mr. Jimoh said Adekunle served faithfully as a church usher despite her disability. He added that after a press conference in April, attacks continued in the area. One escapee told the community that five of the eight abducted worshippers had died in captivity, leaving three still with the kidnappers.

In an emotional appeal, Adekunle’s sister, Adedokun Rachael Olawumi, urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intervene. “My sister is hearing-impaired. She only understands what she sees. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid.”

Ajayi Mercy, representing the Kwara State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, described the situation as a serious human rights concern. She said that as of May 2026, over 390 people had been killed and more than 200 abducted across the state.

“Insecurity affects education, economic activities, and access to basic rights. All stakeholders must work together to address the challenge,” she said.

Local residents say insecurity has crippled social and economic life in parts of Kwara South, forcing many to flee their homes and businesses.

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Ruth Achebe

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