Reverend Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican priest, along with his wife and two children, has been abducted by kidnappers who are demanding a ₦75 million ransom for their release.
The family was traveling along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State when they were intercepted by the kidnappers on Sunday evening between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm. Reverend Olowolagba, a native of Ikaram-Akoko, was accompanied by his wife, their 16-year-old daughter Goodness, a first-year student at Adekunle Ajasin University, and a nine-year-old girl named Idowu who was staying with them.
Bishop Babajide Bada of the Akoko Anglican Diocese confirmed the abduction, explaining that church members realized something was wrong the next morning when the family failed to reach their destination in Ikaram.
“The kidnappers initially demanded ₦75 million but later reduced it to ₦10 million. However, after we managed to gather some funds, they increased it again to ₦15 million,” said Bada. He added that efforts are ongoing to secure their release.
Local security forces, including the Amotekun Corps and hunters, have launched a search operation in the area to rescue the victims. “Amotekun is working with hunters and other security agencies, combing the bushes to ensure the family’s safe return,” Bada said.
Despite these efforts, the Ondo State police spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, stated that the police had not yet received a formal report of the incident. However, Amotekun Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye assured the public that security forces are actively collaborating to resolve the situation and bring the family home safely.
The kidnapping highlights the growing security challenges in the region, as communities rely on combined efforts from law enforcement and local vigilantes to combat criminal activities.
