An Anglican priest in Ondo State, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and two children have been freed after being abducted last Sunday along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area.
The family’s release was confirmed by the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rev. Babajide Bada, though details of how their freedom was secured remain unclear.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦75m, later reducing it to ₦15m. Members of the local community, including the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè group, reportedly mobilized funds in an attempt to meet the demands.
Rev. Olowolagba was traveling with his wife, Mrs. Olowolagba; their 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a university student; and a nine-year-old girl staying with the family when they were abducted.
Ondo State Police spokesperson SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani stated that no formal report of the incident was made to the police.
In a related development, a prominent herdsman, Aliu Yunusa, was killed by suspected kidnappers near Ilu-Abo junction in Akure South Local Government Area. Yunusa, who had previously rescued his wife from the attackers, was overpowered when they returned, allegedly to rustle his cattle.
Commander of Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the incident, stating that Yunusa’s body was discovered with multiple machete wounds and his motorcycle had been set ablaze. Amotekun officers are conducting a search for the perpetrators.
These incidents underscore the rising security challenges in the region as authorities intensify efforts to curb criminal activities.
