Gunmen Abduct Anglican Cleric, Family in Ondo State, Demand N75 Million Ransom

Suspected kidnappers have abducted an Anglican cleric, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, along with his wife and two children in Ondo State.

The incident occurred along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area.

The abduction has caused panic in Ikaram-Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area, the cleric’s hometown, prompting residents to engage in fervent prayers for the family’s safe return.

Speaking to journalists in Akure, the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident.

He disclosed that the family was kidnapped on Sunday between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm while traveling from Ipesi to Ikaram.

“The victims include Rev. Olowolagba, his wife Mrs. Olowolagba, their 16-year-old daughter Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, and a nine-year-old girl living with them, identified as Idowu,” the Bishop said.

He added that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N75 million for the family’s release.

“They called and asked for N75 million. We told them it’s unreasonable, but they have insisted,” the Bishop explained.

Efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing, with local security outfits, including the Amotekun Corps and hunters, combing the area for the abductors.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, said she was yet to be briefed on the incident.

However, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the abduction, stating that his team was collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the victims’ safe rescue.