Kidnappers abduct Anglican Priest,  Wife Children demand N75 million as ransom

Kidnappers abduct Anglican Priest,  Wife Children demand N75 million as ransom

A shocking abduction unfolded in Ondo State as armed assailants seized Rev. Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican priest, along with his wife and two children.

The family was abducted while traveling on the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road, situated in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area.

The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N75 million for their release.

Rev. Olowolagba, a native of Ikaram-Akoko, was taken from his vehicle on Sunday afternoon, with the abduction occurring between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m.

The distressing news was confirmed by the Bishop of the Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rev. Babajide Bada, who expressed deep concern over the incident.

“The man involved is Reverend Olowolagba. He was travelling from Ipesi, with his wife, Mrs Olowolagba, and their 16-year old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), who came for holiday at home, and a nine-year old girl staying with them, identified as Idowu.

“They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko. And when they got to between Isua and Ise- Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we didn’t know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going. And they were not also at home.

“Since then, those who kidnapped them have been calling. They called to ask for N75million ransom. And we said that’s very unreasonable. Later, they said N10million. But when we’d gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed to N15million. That’s why the Reverend and the wife, including the two children are still there.”

“Amotekun is working, because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure. And they ‘re working over the matter. We have also notified the hunters, and reported the matter to the police, both in Ikare and Isua.

“Presently, Amotekun and the hunters are combing the bush, to ensure the victims are rescued from their abductors.”

The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, however stated that no such incident had been reported.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè in Ondo State has urged its members to raise N10 million to pay as ransom to the kidnappers.

Ondo Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, also confirmed, “We are collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.”