Kidnappers seek N75m ransom for Ondo Anglican bishop, family

Abductors of Anglican Bishop Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and children along the Iboropa road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State have demanded a ransom of N75 million for their release.  

According to sources, the kidnappers have initiated communication with the victims’ family members and leaders of the Anglican Church.

Efforts are reportedly underway by various associations to contribute to the ransom.

The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, disclosed that the family was traveling from Ipesi through Isua Akoko to Ikaram when they were abducted.

The incident was discovered the following morning after it was noted they neither arrived at their destination nor returned home.

Among the victims are the clergyman’s daughter, a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who was on holiday, and a nine-year-old girl.

Bishop Bada confirmed the ransom demand of N75 million but did not disclose further details about ongoing negotiations.

Authorities and the Anglican Church are yet to provide updates on actions being taken to secure their release.

“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.

Speaking on the unfortunate incident, the chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, Sheikh Basiru Aminu, has called on religious leaders and the people of the community to pray for the victims to be released unhurt.

Contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Funmi Odunlami, said that the matter was not reported to any police station.

But the state Amotekun commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the abduction of the victims.

Adeleye said that “Amotekun Corps is working with other security agencies to secure the release of the victims.