The kidnappers of the 25 members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, Akure, Ondo State, have contacted their families, demanding a sum of N50m ransom.
A family member of one of the victims, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed this to our correspondent in a telephone conversation.
He said, “They (abductors) have contacted us on the telephone and they demanded N50 million for all of them to be released. But we are still negotiating. That is the latest now.”
The victims, said to be choristers of the church, were reportedly attacked and kidnapped by gunmen on Friday along the Benin-Akure Expressway.
They were said to be travelling to Ifon in the Ose Local Government Area of the state for a burial ceremony when the hoodlums waylaid them and dragged them to a bush in an unknown destination.
As of Saturday afternoon, eight out of the 25 abducted members have been rescued by the state police while 17 are still held by the abductors.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed this to one of our correspondents in a phone interview on Saturday.
“Eight of the kidnapped victims have been rescued. They are all with the police in the station to help with some vital information that will be useful for the police during the investigation,” she said.
In a statement sent to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, the spokesperson noted, “On the 29th of September, 2022 at about 16. 45pm, the police got information that a bus with the inscription of Christ Apostolic Church was abandoned around the Elegbeka area, along Owo-Ifon Expressway and there was suspicion that the passengers of the vehicle were kidnapped.
“The policemen led by the DPO of Ipele Division in the company of police tactical teams, local vigilantes, and other security outfits moved into the bush for rescue operation and arrest of perpetrators.
“Consequently there was a breakthrough as eight of the victims have been rescued and are currently at Ipele Divisional Police Station. The rescued victims are helping the Police with vital information on how to rescue others and arrest the assailants.”
The Commissioner of Police CP Asabi Abiodun, has assured residents of adequate security and promised to bring to book all those involved in this criminal act.
