Gunmen everywhere
By Kemi Lawanson
Kidnappers of an Anglican Bishop in Ondo State, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife and two children, have demanded the sum of N75 million as ransom for their release.
It would be recalled that Olowolagba was kidnapped on the Ise Akoko-Iboropa Road in Akoko Axis of Ondo state alongside his wife and two children.
A family source said that the kidnappers have now insisted on 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,” she said.
It was gathered that after the kidnappers opened a line of communication with their family members and leaders of the Church, various associations were asked to raise some money to be added to the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
The victims were travelling from Ipesi through lsua Akoko when they were abducted.
“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 also not at home.
“The Bishop’s daughter, who is a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), on holiday, and a nine-year-old girl were abducted alongside the couple.
“The matter has been reported to the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun for necessary action,” the family source said.
“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.
Confirming the incident, the Amotekun commander in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said that the command was aware of the abduction of the victims.
“Amotekun Corps is working with other security agencies to secure the release of the victims,” he said.
The spokesperson of the police command in Ondo State, Funmi Odunlami, however, said that the matter was not reported to any police station.
