Kidnappers Demand ₦75 Million Ransom for Release of Anglican Priest and Family in Ondo
Kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₦75 million for the release of Reverend Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican priest, his wife, and two children. The family was abducted on Sunday along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Reverend Olowolagba, a native of Ikaram-Akoko, was traveling with his wife, Mrs. Olowolagba, their 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, who is a first-year student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and a 9-year-old girl named Idowu, who was staying with them.
The abduction occurred between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm as they journeyed from Ipesi through Isua Akoko, and were intercepted near Ise Akoko. According to reports, the family’s disappearance only became apparent the following morning when church members noticed they had not arrived in Ikaram, where they were expected.
The Kidnapping and Ransom Negotiations
The Bishop of the Akoko Anglican Diocese, Reverend Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident, explaining that the family was last seen traveling from Ipesi, passing through Isua Akoko, before being kidnapped on the stretch between Isua and Ise Akoko.
“The family was traveling with Reverend Olowolagba and his wife, along with their 16-year-old daughter, Goodness, and a 9-year-old girl named Idowu. When they didn’t reach Ikaram as expected, we realized something was wrong,” Bishop Bada said.
Following the kidnapping, the abductors contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦75 million. The initial demand was deemed unreasonable, prompting the kidnappers to lower the ransom to ₦10 million. However, after the family managed to raise some funds, the kidnappers raised the ransom again to ₦15 million. As of now, the Reverend, his wife, and children remain in captivity.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The case has drawn the attention of multiple security agencies, including the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, and local hunters, who have been working tirelessly to locate and rescue the victims.
“We have reported the incident to the Amotekun office in Akure, and they are actively working on the matter,” Bishop Bada continued. “We have also notified the hunters, and the police have been informed in both Ikare and Isua. Amotekun and the hunters are currently combing the bush to rescue the victims.”
Despite these efforts, Ondo State Police spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, clarified that no formal police report had yet been filed regarding the kidnapping.
Amotekun Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye reassured the public that all relevant security agencies were coordinating their efforts to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Community Response and Growing Concern
The abduction has sparked concerns among residents of Ondo State, highlighting the ongoing challenge of criminal activities, including kidnappings, in the region. The involvement of multiple security agencies underscores the seriousness of the matter and the urgency of ensuring the safe release of the family.
As efforts continue to secure the victims’ freedom, the community remains hopeful that the abductors will relent and release Reverend Olowolagba and his family without further harm.
