Kwara Community, Family Urge Intervention for Abducted Hearing-Impaired Mother

The family of Mosunmola Adekunle, a hearing-impaired widow and mother of seven, is making an urgent appeal to the Federal Government and various security agencies. Their plea is for intensified efforts to secure her release following her abduction by bandits in Kwara State.

Adekunle was among eight worshippers kidnapped on March 22, 2026, when armed assailants attacked an Evangelical Church Winning All congregation in Omugo community, located within the Oro-Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, during a church service. She has now been held captive for nearly three months, a situation that has deeply concerned her family, community members, disability advocates, and human rights organizations.

Speaking in Ilorin on Friday, Mrs. Joy Bolarin, the Executive Director of Jibore Foundation, expressed the profound pain and unacceptability of Adekunle’s prolonged captivity, emphasizing her vulnerability due to her disability. Bolarin highlighted that Adekunle, who cannot hear or speak, was seized while worshipping, noting that her condition was disregarded by the attackers. She reiterated that the victim was attending church when the gunmen struck, abducting eight congregants and whisking them away into the forest.

According to Bolarin, Adekunle’s disability places her at heightened risk in captivity, as she would be unable to comprehend verbal instructions or readily react to threats in dangerous scenarios. “It is heartbreaking to imagine what she is going through in the forest. She cannot hear gunshots, and if instructions are given verbally, she may not understand,” Bolarin stated. She affirmed that the foundation, along with other concerned stakeholders, could no longer remain silent and demanded prompt intervention from the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, security agencies, and other relevant bodies. Bolarin also called on authorities to enhance rescue operations and ensure specific consideration for persons with disabilities who become victims of abductions.

Adedokun Rachael, Adekunle’s sister, made an emotional appeal to President Bola Tinubu, security agencies, and other stakeholders for their intervention to secure her sister’s freedom. She explained that the family has been in severe distress since the incident, adding that Adekunle was already a widow with seven children before her abduction. “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 implored. She further revealed that the absence of their mother has left the children without adequate care and protection, urging authorities to prioritize efforts to bring her home safely.

Mr. Jimoh, an elder from the Omugo community, described Adekunle as a dedicated church usher, known for her commitment and cheerful spirit despite her disability. He lamented that insecurity in the region persists despite prior appeals from residents and community leaders for government assistance. Jimoh recalled that community leaders had previously held a press conference in Ilorin on April 29 to highlight the worsening security situation, yet attacks have continued. He also alleged that other abduction victims in the area have endured severe hardship, with some reportedly dying in captivity and others still missing. The elder noted that the pervasive insecurity has compelled many residents to abandon their homes and farmlands, severely disrupting economic activities in the affected communities.

Representing the Kwara State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Ajayi Mercy characterized the situation as a grave human rights concern, observing that insecurity continues to plague communities across the state. She indicated that records show hundreds of people have been killed or abducted in various incidents, with insecurity disrupting education, livelihoods, and access to fundamental rights. Ajayi advocated for collaborative efforts among security agencies, government institutions, and stakeholders to tackle the escalating crisis and safeguard vulnerable communities. Stakeholders continue to press for intensified security operations in Kwara South, calling for urgent action to rescue all remaining captives and prevent further attacks in the region.