Family seeks help for hearing-impaired widow kidnapped in Kwara

Almost three months after armed men kidnapped a hearing-impaired widow and her seven children during a church service in Kwara State, her family, community members, disability advocates, and human rights groups are urging the Federal Government and security agencies to do more to get her back.

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

On Friday, Joy Bolarin, the Executive Director of Jibore Foundation, spoke to PUNCH Online in Ilorin. She called the ongoing captivity of Mosunmola painful and unacceptable, especially because of her disability and family situation.

Bolarin explained that Adekunle, who cannot hear or speak, had gone to church to worship when the attackers struck and took away eight people from the church.

"Whenever 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.

She added that Mosunmola is a hardworking and cheerful woman. Her disability already put her at a disadvantage 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 think about her disability," Bolarin said.

Bolarin expressed worry about the physical and emotional pain Mosunmola might be facing in captivity. She said that since Mosunmola cannot hear, she could be in greater danger.

"She cannot hear gunshots. If instructions are given verbally, she may not understand. It is heartbreak to think of what she is going through in the forest. It is almost three months now, and we cannot keep quiet," she added.

"We sympathise with all victims of kidnapping across the country, but we are focusing on the suffering 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 held captive," she said.

Bolarin also spoke about how the abduction has affected Adekunle’s family. She revealed that Adekunle was already a widow before her kidnapping.

"Who will care for her children? Many 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.

She mentioned another case involving a physically challenged local man, Ademola Onijala, who was reportedly kidnapped last year.

"The kidnappers later told the family that they killed and buried him even after they paid ransom. Up till today, nothing has been heard about him. He left behind a young wife and four children. These stories show the huge suffering our people are facing," she said.

According to her, insecurity has disrupted social and economic life in many communities nearby, forcing many to leave their homes and businesses.

"The torture our people face in captivity is enormous. Women face abuse, and entire communities have been displaced. I own a school that has been running for over 30 years, but we can no longer operate because of insecurity in our area," she said.

In a heartfelt plea, Adekunle’s sister, Adedokun Rachael, called on President Bola Tinubu, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to step in 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 begging the government to assist us," Rachael said.

She shared that the family received information that five of the eight worshippers taken during the church attack have died in captivity.

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

A community elder, Mr Jimoh from Omugo, also spoke about the abducted woman. He said she was a dedicated church worker who served 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.

He recalled that leaders from Omugo community had previously held a press conference in Ilorin on April 29 about the growing security issues in the area, but attacks and kidnappings have 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.

The elder noted that the escapee told the community that five members of the group taken 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 condition. Whether it rains or shines, they remain in the forest," he said.

The elder claimed that women held by kidnappers in the area often face abuse and called for urgent action from the authorities.

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

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

"This issue concerns all 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 kidnapped in various incidents.

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