Reverend Timothy Omali, the presiding minister of ECWA Church, has recounted the painful ordeal that followed the abduction of his wife, revealing how kidnappers repeatedly increased their ransom demands despite efforts by family members and supporters to secure her release.
According to a report by Arise News, the pastor spoke during an emotional interview in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he confirmed that his wife eventually died while being held captive by her abductors.
Recounting the events, Reverend Omali disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦1 billion ransom for the release of his wife and other victims who were abducted during the attack.
After weeks of negotiations and appeals, family members, church groups, and well-wishers managed to raise ₦20 million.
In addition to the cash payment, they also provided food items, including bags of rice and red oil, as well as fuel and medical supplies requested by the kidnappers.
However, he said their hopes were dashed when the abductors later rejected the payment.
He said: “We paid ₦20 million for my wife’s release, but they said it was too small and demanded ₦300 million.”
According to him, the kidnappers contacted the family again and insisted that the amount delivered was insufficient, raising their demand to ₦300 million despite the sacrifices already made by relatives and supporters.
The pastor described the period as one of intense fear, uncertainty, and emotional pain for his family. Tragically, his wife did not survive the ordeal, leaving behind a grieving family and congregation struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
Reverend Omali nevertheless expressed gratitude to those who stood by his family throughout the crisis, saying their prayers and support helped sustain them during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
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