Kidnappers demand N75m for release of Anglican priest, others

A group of kidnappers has demanded a ransom of N75 million for the release of Rev. Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican priest, along with his wife and two children, who were abducted in Ondo State.

The family was reportedly kidnapped on the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area while traveling to Ikaram-Akoko, the priest’s hometown.

Bishop Babajide Bada of the Akoko Anglican Diocese confirmed the incident, stating it occurred on Sunday between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. He shared details of the family’s journey, saying:“ 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.”

The kidnappers initially demanded N75 million but later reduced the ransom to N10 million. Bishop Bada added:

“Since then, those who kidnapped them have been calling. They called to ask for N75 million ransom. And we said that’s very unreasonable. Later, they said N10 million. But when we’d gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed to N15 million. That’s why the Reverend and the wife, including the two children, are still there.”

The bishop highlighted that the church has engaged local security forces, hunters, and the police to aid in the rescue operation.

“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.”

However, Ondo State Police spokesperson SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani denied receiving any formal report of the incident, saying:

“We do not have such story, nothing of such was reported.”

Meanwhile, members of the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè in Ondo State have reportedly begun raising funds to contribute toward the ransom.

Amotekun Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye reassured the public of their efforts, stating:

“We are working with other security agencies to ensure we rescue the victims.”

(NATION)