The abductors of Anglican Bishop Rev. Canon Olowolagba, along with his wife and children, on the Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, have demanded a ransom of N75 million for their release.
Sources revealed to Vanguard that the kidnappers have established communication with the victims’ family and leaders of the Anglican Church.
It was also reliably learned that various associations are mobilizing their members to contribute funds to supplement the ransom amount.
The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, disclosed that the family was abducted while traveling from Ipesi through Isua Akoko.
According to the clergyman, “They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko. And when they got to between Isua and Ise-Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we didn’t know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going. And they were not also at home.
Bada said that the daughter of the clergyman is a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who was on holiday, and a nine-year-old girl were abducted alongside the couple.
He confirmed that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N75 million before the victims could be released.
“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.
Sheikh Basiru Aminu, the chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, has urged religious leaders and community members to pray for the safe release of the victims.
When contacted, Funmi Odunlami, the spokesperson for the state police command, stated that the incident had not been reported to any police station.
However, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the state Amotekun commander, confirmed the abduction of the victims.
Adeleye said that “Amotekun Corps is working with other security agencies to secure the release of the victims.