Unknown gunmen have abducted an Anglican priest, Reverend Canon Olowolagba, along with his wife, daughter, and a young ward in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, December 22, 2024, along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa Road.
The victims were traveling from Ipesi to Ikaram when they were intercepted and taken into captivity. The priest’s 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, and a nine-year-old girl staying with the family, identified as Idowu, were also abducted.
Speaking on the incident, the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦75 million as ransom but later adjusted the demand to ₦10 million and subsequently ₦15 million. Despite efforts to raise funds for their release, the captives remain in the custody of the kidnappers.
“The kidnappers have been in touch since the incident. Although we reported the matter to Amotekun, the police, and local hunters, the victims have not yet been rescued,” Bishop Bada said.
He added that Amotekun operatives and hunters are actively combing the area in search of the abducted family. The Ondo State security outfit confirmed the incident, with Commandant Akogun Adetunji Adeleye assuring the public that efforts are underway to rescue the victims.
However, the Ondo State Police Command has denied receiving any report on the abduction. Police spokesperson SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani stated, “We do not have such a story; nothing of such was reported to us.”
(With additional inform from leadership newspapers)
