JUST-IN: Gunmen Kidnap Anglican Cleric, Wife, Daughter, 1 Other in Ondo
Unknown gunmen have kidnapped an Anglican priest, his wife, daughter, and another girl in the Akoko North-East local government area of Ondo State.
The victims, identified as Rev. Canon Olowolagba and his family, were abducted on December 22, 2024, between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM, while traveling along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa Road in the Akoko area of the state.
According to sources, the abductors have demanded a ₦75 million ransom for their release. The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident, stating that the family was traveling from Ipesi to Ikaram when they were abducted between Isua and Ise-Akoko. The Bishop mentioned that family members noticed their absence the following morning, and the kidnappers have been making calls ever since, initially asking for ₦75 million, but later reducing the demand to ₦10 million, and eventually raising it again to ₦15 million.
Efforts to secure their release have been underway, with Amotekun and local hunters actively searching for the victims. The Bishop confirmed that the matter was reported to Amotekun in Akure, and they are collaborating with other security agencies to track the kidnappers. However, when approached for confirmation, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, denied any knowledge of the incident.
In contrast, Amotekun Commandant Akogun Adetunji Adeleye confirmed the abduction, stating that Amotekun had been working on the matter since last week, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims.
