* Panic as abductors demand N75m ransom

*Police mum, promises to get back to Weekend Hope

By Adeboye Ado

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An Anglican priest, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, alongside his wife and two children, has been abducted by gunmen, along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government area of Ondo State.

Reports reaching Weekend Hope indicate that the captors are demanding a ransom of ₦75 million for the release of the hostages.

It was gathered that the incident has left the priest’s hometown, Ikaram-Akoko, in quandary, with residents fervently praying for the safe return of the family.

Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese,  confirmed the incident to Weekend Hope, in a phone chat, yesterday.

His words: “The unfortunate incident happened on Sunday between 4pm and 5:30pm. The man involved is Reverend Olowolagba. He was travelling from Ipesi, with his wife, Mrs Olowolagba, and their 16-year old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), who came for holiday at home, and a nine-year old girl staying with them, identified as Idowu.

“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.

“Since then, those who kidnapped them have been calling. They called to ask for N75million ransom. And we said that’s very unreasonable. Later, they said N10million. But when we’d gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed to N15million. That’s why the Reverend and the wife, including the two children are still there.”

However, the Bishop said the kidnappers had insisted on a N75million 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 ‘re working over the matter. 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 abductors,”the cleric added.

Efforts to reach the monarch of the community the Akala of Ikaram-Akoko, Oba Andrew Momodu, for comment have, thus far, been unsuccessful.

A prominent community leader and chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, Sheikh Basiru Aminu, urged the people of Ikaram Akoko to intensify prayers and make efforts for the prompt release of the victims, describing the kidnapped family as respected members of the community.

Meanwhile,  the Ondo State Police Command said it was yet to confirm the incident as at the time of filing the report.

When contacted,  the police spokesperson,  SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, said she was yet to be briefed on the incident. But she promised to get back to Weekend Hope.