Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted an Anglican priest, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and two children, along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government area of Ondo State.
The victims were said to have left Ikaram-Akoko and were travelling towards Ipesi Akoko on Thursday when the gunmen halted their vehicle and abducted the clergy, his wife, and two children.
The four victims were dragged into the forest by the kidnappers, who subsequently contacted the family, demanding the sum of ₦75 million to secure the freedom of the victims.
The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, who confirmed the development, explained that “the unfortunate incident happened on Sunday between 4 pm and 5:30 pm. The man involved is Reverend Olowolagba.
“He was traveling 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 a 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 ₦75 million ransom. And we said that’s very unreasonable. Later, they said ₦10 million.
“But when we’d gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed the ransom to ₦15 million. That’s why the Reverend and the wife, including the two children, are still there.”
He disclosed that the incident was reported to Amotekun officials in the area, who swung into action immediately after the incident was reported.
“Amotekun is working because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure. And they’re 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 bush to ensure the victims are rescued from their abductors,” the cleric added.
The Ondo State Police Command cannot confirm the incident, while the police spokesperson, Funmil Odunlami, said she was yet to be briefed on the incident. But she promised to get back.
However, the Commander of Amotekun in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the development and said, “It is true, though the incident didn’t happen the day before yesterday, it happened last week. We are seriously working with other security agencies to ensure we rescue the victims.”
