Kidnappers of Ondo worshippers demand N50 million ransom

Following the weekend kidnapping of about 25 choristers from the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Oke-Igan, Akure, Ondo State capital by gunmen, the Regional Superintendent of CAC, Odubanjo Regional Headquarters, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, has revealed that the abductors are now demanding a N50 million ransom in exchange for the victims.
The abductors, according to the pastor, demanded the ransom over the phone when one of the victims contacted to alert the church of the occurrence.
Over 20 choristers were kidnapped by gunmen while traveling from Akure to Ifon for a funeral function on the Owo-Ifon-Benin expressway.
Eight of the kidnapped victims were able to flee their captors within hours of the crime, and security officials in the state have launched a manhunt for the criminals in order to rescue the other victims.
While expressing hope that the kidnapped victims will be rescued, Pastor Akanmu revealed that the choir members were on their way to Ifon in Ose Local Council on Friday evening when the gunmen ambushed their car.
“They (choir) embarked on a journey to Ifon for a Christian wake in honour of our organist, who was to bury his late father in Ifon.
“They took off from Akure on Friday and were supposed to be back on Saturday after the burial.
“I was called around 4 o’clock in the evening on Friday by someone who said that a bus belonging to the church was seen abandoned by the roadside around Elegbeka, and nobody was inside at the time.
“According to the caller, he suspects the passengers have been kidnapped, and so we started contacting our members and security agencies.
“One of those in captivity called to inform me that their abductors are demanding the sum of 50 million naira as ransom.
“One of the abductors also took the phone from him and said we must provide the 50 million naira immediately if we indeed love our members.
“Nine of the victims are currently with the abductors, while eight have regained their freedom, but we cannot ascertain the whereabouts of three other members,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of CAC Oke-Igan in Akure have begun intense prayers.
During a visit to the church’s premises, the voices of the congregation were audible for anyone in the area to hear.
Pastor Akanmu said the church has strong faith in God, hence the reason for the commencement of prayers since Friday when they were abducted.
“I believe God will help the security agencies rescue the nine individuals still in captivity and apprehend the perpetrators of the criminal act,” he said.