Crime

How Kidnapped Anglican Bishop and Family was Freed in Ondo

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 30th, 2024.

How Kidnapped Anglican Bishop and Family was Freed in Ondo

Rev. Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican cleric, along with his wife and two children, who were abducted by gunmen on the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Ondo State, has been released.

Although details surrounding their release remain unclear, a family member confirmed their freedom but could not verify if a ransom was paid. The kidnappers had initially demanded ₦75 million, which was later negotiated down to ₦15 million by the family and friends of the victims.

The abduction occurred along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area. Rev. Olowolagba, originally from Ikaram-Akoko, was traveling with his wife, Mrs. Olowolagba, their 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, and a 9-year-old girl named Idowu who was staying with them.

The wife of the cleric is a member of the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè, a local organization, which raised ₦10 million to aid in securing the family’s release.

Bishop Rev. Babajide Bada of the Akoko Anglican Diocese confirmed the kidnapping, stating that the incident took place between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. last Sunday.