The family was abducted along Iboropa road in Akoko North-East council area of Ondo State.
The kidnappers of Anglican bishop, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and children, have demanded a ransom of N75 million for their release.
The family was abducted along Iboropa road in Akoko North-East council area of Ondo State.
According to sources, the kidnappers have established communication with the victims’ family members and leaders of the Anglican Church. Various associations have also contributed funds to support the ransom payment.
The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, confirmed the abduction to journalists, stating that the family was traveling from Ipesi to Ikaram when they were kidnapped.
The victims include the bishop’s daughter, a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, and a nine-year-old girl.
Initially, he said the kidnappers demanded N75 million, which was deemed unreasonable.
After negotiations, they reduced the ransom to N10 million, but later increased it to N15 million. The current demand stands at N75 million.
The matter has been reported to the state security outfit, Amotekun, and other relevant authorities, including the police.
Vanguard quoted him to have said “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.
“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 are underway to secure the release of the victims.
Speaking on the incident, the chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, Sheikh Basiru Aminu, 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.”