Gunmen abduct cleric, wife, children in Ondo

…Demand N75 million ransom

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

Gunmen have struck in Akoko area of Ondo State, abducting an Anglican cleric, Rev. Olowolagba, his wife, and two children along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government area of the state.

The incident left the priest’s hometown, Ikaram-Akoko, in Akoko North West council in quandary, with residents praying for the safe return of the family.

The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident to reporters yesterday.

Bada said: “The unfortunate incident happened last Sunday between 4pm and 5:30 pm.

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

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

“Since then, those who kidnapped them have been calling. They called to ask for a million ransom. And we said that’s very unreasonable.

“Later, they said N10 million. But when we gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed to another million. That is why the Reverend and the wife, including the two children are still there,” he added.

However, the Bishop said the kidnappers had insisted on a N75 million ransom before they could set the victims free.

According to him, “Amotekun is working because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure. And they are working on 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 bushes to ensure the victims are rescued from their abductors,” the cleric added.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, said she was yet to be briefed on the incident.

She said the state police command did not have such a story, as it was not reported to the police.