Kidnappers of an Anglican priest, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife and two children, have demanded a ransom payment of N75m.
The Anglican priest and his family were abducted along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government area of Ondo State.
He hails from Ikaram-Akoko.
Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rev. Babajide Bada, who confirmed the incident ,said it happened on Sunday between 4pm and 5:30pm.
“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.”
Ondo police spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, said no report such incident was made.
“We do not have such story, nothing of such was reported.”
It was gathered that the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè in Ondo State has asked its members to contribute money to raise N10m to pay as ransom to the kidnappers.
Ondo Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said, “We are working with other security agencies to ensure we rescue the victims”.
