By TQM News
Nearly three months after armed bandits stormed a church service in Kwara State and abducted eight worshippers, the fate of a hearing-impaired widow and mother of seven, Mrs. Mosunmola Adekunle, remains uncertain, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention from the Federal Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders.
The continued captivity of the vulnerable woman has sparked widespread concern among disability rights advocates, community leaders, human rights organizations, and family members, who fear for her safety and wellbeing in the kidnappers’ den.
Mrs. Adekunle was among eight members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) abducted on March 22, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded a worship service in Omugo Community, Oro-Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
As the nation grapples with growing insecurity, her case has become a painful symbol of the unique dangers faced by persons with disabilities during violent attacks and humanitarian crises.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ilorin on Friday, the Executive Director of Jibore Foundation, Mrs. Joy Bolarin, described the prolonged captivity of the hearing-impaired widow as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
According to Bolarin, the victim’s disability places her at an even greater risk while in captivity, making her situation particularly distressing.
“Anytime it rains, I remember there is a person with disability inside the bush,” Bolarin said emotionally.
“The particular case that brought us here today is that of my fellow woman, Mrs. Mosunmola Adekunle. She went to church to worship God and never returned home. It is almost three months now, and we cannot continue to keep silent.”
Bolarin explained that Adekunle, who cannot hear or speak, was simply participating in a church service when the attackers struck, forcing worshippers into the forest at gunpoint.
“This woman was not attending a social event or a party. She was in church worshipping God when bandits invaded and abducted eight people, including her. Even her disability did not move the kidnappers to show mercy,” she lamented.
She further expressed concern about the severe challenges the victim may be facing in captivity, particularly her inability to hear instructions or warnings.
“She cannot hear gunshots. She cannot hear when people speak. If verbal instructions are given, she may not understand what is happening around her. It is difficult to imagine the fear, confusion, and suffering she may be experiencing in the forest.”
The disability advocate stressed that while kidnapping affects people from all walks of life, persons with disabilities often face greater risks and barriers during emergencies.
“We sympathize with every victim of kidnapping across Nigeria, but we are highlighting this particular case because it demonstrates how vulnerable persons with disabilities are in situations like this. We are calling on the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts and secure the release of Mrs. Mosunmola Adekunle and others still being held captive.”
Seven Children Left Without Their Mother
Beyond the tragedy of her abduction lies another painful reality—the impact on the seven children she left behind.
Bolarin revealed that Adekunle was already a widow before the incident occurred, making her disappearance even more devastating for her family.
“Many people focus on the kidnapping itself, but few think about what happens afterward. Mrs. Mosunmola was already a widow before this tragedy. Today, seven children have been left without their mother. Who is caring for them? Who is supporting them emotionally and financially?” she asked.
She noted that the growing wave of insecurity has left countless families shattered, with many children becoming orphans and many women becoming widows.
A Pattern of Tragedy
Bolarin also recalled another disturbing case involving a physically challenged resident of the area, Mr. Ademola Onijala, who was reportedly abducted by kidnappers last year.
According to her, despite efforts by his family to secure his release, the kidnappers later informed relatives that he had been killed and buried.
“Up till today, nothing has been heard about him. He left behind a young wife and four children. These are real human beings whose lives have been destroyed by insecurity,” she said.
She warned that persistent attacks have crippled economic and social activities across several communities in the region.
“The suffering is enormous. People are abandoning their homes. Farmers cannot access their farms. Businesses have collapsed. Even schools are affected. I own a school that has operated for more than 30 years, but because of the insecurity in our area, normal activities can no longer continue.”
Family Makes Emotional Appeal to President Tinubu
In an emotional plea, the victim’s sister, Mrs. Adedokun Rachael, appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies to rescue the remaining captives.
“My sister is hearing-impaired. She only understands what she sees. She cannot hear anything around her,” she said.
“She went to church to worship God and was kidnapped. We are begging the government to come to our aid and rescue her.”
Rachael disclosed that information available to the family suggests that the situation may be even worse than initially feared.
According to her, five of the eight worshippers abducted during the church attack have reportedly died while in captivity.
“We were informed that five of the victims have died, while three people, including my sister, are still in the kidnappers’ den. One of the escapees confirmed that they are still alive in the forest. We are pleading with President Tinubu and all security agencies to save them.”
Church Usher Remembered for Faithful Service
Also speaking at the briefing, a community elder, Mr. Jimoh, described Adekunle as a devoted Christian who remained active in church activities despite her disability.
“Our sister was an usher in the church,” he said.
“Although she is hearing-impaired, she served God faithfully and carried out her responsibilities with joy. She was always cheerful and committed.”
The elder recalled that leaders of Omugo Community had earlier addressed a press conference on April 29 to draw attention to worsening insecurity in the area, but lamented that attacks have continued unabated.
According to him, another farmer was kidnapped shortly after the community’s earlier appeal but later escaped from captivity.
“He spent more than ten days wandering through the bush before eventually finding his way out through Egbe. Part of his ear had been cut off by the kidnappers, and he is currently receiving medical treatment,” he revealed.
The escapee reportedly informed community leaders that five members of the group abducted from the church had died in captivity.
“He told us that 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 current condition. Whether it rains or shines, they remain in the forest.”
The community elder further alleged that women held by kidnappers in the area are frequently subjected to abuse and called for immediate intervention.
“What is happening across parts of Kwara South, especially around Oro-Ago, requires urgent attention. The authorities must act now.”
Human Rights Commission Raises Alarm
Representing the Kwara State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Ajayi Mercy described the situation as a major human rights challenge affecting communities across the state.
“This issue concerns every one of us,” she said.
“Civil, political, economic, and social rights are all affected when insecurity persists. People are afraid to travel, work, attend school, or even worship.”
She disclosed that available records paint a disturbing picture of the security situation.
“As of May 2026, more than 390 people had reportedly been killed, while over 200 others had been abducted in various incidents across affected communities.”
According to her, insecurity continues to undermine education, economic development, and access to basic human rights.
“People are living in fear. Communities are being displaced. Economic activities have slowed down significantly. This is why government agencies, security institutions, community leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens must work together to address this challenge.”
A Cry for Justice and Freedom
As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, the plight of Mrs. Mosunmola Adekunle continues to resonate far beyond her community.
For her seven children, every passing day is another day without their mother. For disability advocates, her captivity underscores the heightened vulnerability of persons with disabilities during security crises. For residents of Kwara South, it is yet another reminder of the devastating human cost of insecurity.
Now, family members, community leaders, human rights defenders, and disability advocates are united in one plea: that authorities act swiftly to rescue Mosunmola Adekunle and all other victims still languishing in captivity before more lives are lost.
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