Anglican priest, family Kidnapped in Ondo, abductors demand N75m ransom

December 29, 2024

By Adedoja Adesoji

The family of the Anglican priest abducted in Ondo on Sunday evening has been asked to pay a whooping sum of N75m for the release of the victims.

The family was taken along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government area.

Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rev. Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred on Sunday between 4 pm and 5:30 pm. “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.”

However, after negotiations, they reduced the amount to N15 million. Bishop Bada expressed frustration with the kidnappers’ constant changes in their demands. “We said that’s very unreasonable. Later, they said N10 million. But when we’d gathered some money to go and secure their release, they changed to N15 million.”

The Ondo State Police Command has denied receiving any report of the incident. However, the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè in Ondo State has rallied its members to contribute money to raise N10 million to pay as ransom to the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, the Ondo Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has assured that his team is working tirelessly with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the victims. “We are working with other security agencies to ensure we rescue the victims,” he said.

The kidnapping incident has sent shockwaves throughout the community, and efforts are being made to secure the release of the Anglican priest and his family.