Gunmen have abducted Rev. Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican cleric from the Akoko Diocese, along with his wife and two children, in Ondo State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, when the family was traveling on the Ise Akoko/Iboropa Road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area.
According to reports, Rev. Olowolagba was traveling with his wife, Mrs. Olowolagba, their 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba—who is a student at Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba Akoko—and a nine-year-old girl, Idowu, when they were ambushed by the gunmen.
Goodness had been home for the Christmas holiday when the kidnapping occurred between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident, stating that the family was on their way from Ipesi through Isua Akoko when the kidnappers intercepted their vehicle and forced them into the bush.
The family’s disappearance was noticed the next morning when members of the church realized they had not reached their destination in Ikaram.
The kidnappers have since contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N75 million for their release.
Local security agencies have been alerted, with the state’s security outfit, Amotekun, leading the efforts.
Amotekun’s operatives, alongside hunters and police officers from Ikare and Isua Akoko, have launched a search to locate and free the victims.
Sheikh Basiru Aminu, chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, has urged the community and religious leaders to pray for the safe return of the family.
While the police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, mentioned that the incident was not reported to a police station, the Amotekun Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the abduction and reassured the public that efforts to secure the family’s release are ongoing.
