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Gunmen have kidnapped a Bishop of the Anglican Church, Rev. Canon Olowolagba and his family on Ise Akoko/Iboropa Road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Olowolagba attached to the Akoko Anglican Diocese was reportedly kidnapped by the gunmen alongside his wife, two children and a nine-year-old girl staying with them, while travelling along the road last Sunday.
It was gathered that of the children identified as Goodness was said to be a fresh student at the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA) and was on Christmas holiday.
Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident to journalists in Akure, on Saturday, December 28.
Bada said the cleric and his family members were travelling from Ipesi through Isua Akoko when the gunmen waylaid their vehicle before marching them into the bush.
“The unfortunate incident happened last week [Sunday] between 4pm and 5:30pm. He (Olowolagba) was travelling from Ipesi with his wife, Mrs Olowolagba, and their 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), who came for a holiday at home, and a nine-year-old girl staying with them, identified as Idowu,” he said.
“They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko, and when they got to between Isua and Ise-Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we did not know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going
“They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko, and when they got to between Isua and Ise-Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we did not know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going
The cleric said that the matter had been reported to the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun.
“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 Akoko.
“Presently, Amotekun and the hunters are combing the bush to ensure the victims are rescued from their captors.”
Speaking on the incident, the chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, Sheikh Basiru Aminu, called on religious leaders and the people of the community to pray for the victims to be released unhurt.
