Gunmen Abduct Anglican Bishop, His Family in Ondo, Demand ₦75 Million Ransom
Gunmen have abducted an Anglican Bishop, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, along with his wife, two children, and a nine-year-old girl on the Ise Akoko/Iboropa Road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State. The kidnappers are demanding a ₦75 million ransom for their release.
The Bishop, attached to the Akoko Anglican Diocese, was reportedly ambushed by the gunmen last Sunday while traveling with his family. Among those abducted is his 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who was home for the Christmas holiday.
According to Babajide Bada, the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, the family was traveling from Ipesi to Ikaram when the incident occurred between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
“They were driving through Isua Akoko when they were ambushed and forced into the bush by the kidnappers. The family’s destination was Ikaram, but they never arrived. Their absence was discovered the following morning,” Bada stated.
The case has been reported to various security agencies, including the Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun, the Nigeria Police Force, and local hunters. Amotekun operatives and hunters are currently combing the surrounding forests in an effort to locate and rescue the victims.
“We have reported the matter to Amotekun in Akure, and they are already working on it. Local hunters are also assisting in the search operations,” Bada confirmed.
Sheikh Basiru Aminu, chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, has urged community members and religious leaders to pray for the safe return of the victims.
The alarming rise in kidnappings across Ondo State underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures. Authorities and local leaders are working to ensure the family’s safe release while addressing the broader issue of insecurity in the region.
This tragic incident has drawn attention to the need for improved security measures and swift action to combat rising criminal activities in Nigeria.
