A bishop of the Anglican Church, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, along with his wife and two children, has been abducted by gunmen along the Iboropa road in Akoko North-East, Ondo State. The captors have demanded a ransom of N75 million for their release, sparking widespread concern and efforts from various quarters to ensure their safety.
The victims were traveling from Ipesi to Ikaram through Isua Akoko when the incident occurred.
According to the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, “They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko. And when they got to between Isua and Ise-Akoko, they were kidnapped.” Their absence was discovered the following morning when they failed to reach their destination or return home.
“But we told them that the money demanded for it was unreasonable; they later agreed to reduce it to N10 million.
“When we gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed it to N15 million. That’s why we’ve not secured the release of the bishop and his family members.
“The abductors have now insisted on a N75 million ransom before they could set free the victims.
The cleric said that the matter had been reported to the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun.
“Amotekun is working because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure, and they have started work to secure the release of the victims.
“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 captors.
Efforts to secure the victims’ freedom have intensified, with local hunters, the state security outfit Amotekun, and the police actively searching the surrounding forest.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the state Amotekun commander, confirmed, “Amotekun Corps is working with other security agencies to secure the release of the victims.”
Religious leaders, including Sheikh Basiru Aminu, have urged the community to pray for the family’s safe return.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, stated that the matter was not officially reported to the police, but security agencies remain committed to resolving the situation.
