In a dramatic turn of events, Reverend Canon Olowolagba, an Anglican priest, along with his wife and two children, have regained their freedom after being kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday, December 23, along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa Road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The abduction had sent shockwaves across the state and the wider Christian community as the family, traveling from Ipesi, were intercepted by the armed assailants. The Reverend, his wife, and two young children, including his daughter, a 100-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, were held captive for several days in what appeared to be a well-organized operation.
Although the specifics of the release remain unclear, family members have confirmed that the victims are now safely back home. However, it is still unknown whether a ransom was paid. One family member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “We are grateful to God for their safe return, but I cannot confirm whether a ransom was involved. The details are still being discussed among the family members.”
The Kidnapping Incident
The clergy, originally from Ikaram-Akoko, had been traveling with his family when they were ambushed by the gunmen on the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road. The gunmen, after holding the family for several days, demanded a ransom of N75 million. According to the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Reverend Babajide Bada, the kidnappers made repeated calls, initially asking for the exorbitant amount. “It was a terrifying situation,” Reverend Bada told reporters. “They wanted N75 million, but that was too much. They later reduced it to N10 million, and by the time we were gathering funds to pay, the demand changed again to N15 million.”
Despite the shifting ransom demands, the local church community, along with family and friends, worked tirelessly to raise the required funds. The church’s Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè (a communal association) in Ondo State played a crucial role, asking its members to contribute towards the ransom, which eventually reached N15 million. The bishop, in his remarks, expressed concern over the growing threat of abductions in the region, stating, “This is becoming an alarming trend. We must be vigilant and take action to protect our community.”
Tensions Surrounding the Incident
The timing of the abduction, late in the afternoon between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm, left the family isolated from immediate help. The family’s disappearance went unnoticed overnight, but by the following morning, it was clear that they had not arrived at their destination in Ikaram. “We were waiting for them to come home, but they didn’t show up. That was when we realized something was wrong,” said Reverend Bada. As the hours ticked by, the kidnappers made their first contact, demanding a ransom and providing unsettling proof of the family’s captivity.
While the victims have now been released, the emotional toll of the incident is still being felt by those close to them. Reverend Olowolagba, while being freed, reportedly remained in shock. A family member revealed, “The priest was traumatized by the ordeal, and understandably, the children are still scared from the experience.”
Police Response and Local Concerns
Interestingly, despite the public outrage surrounding the kidnapping, the Ondo State police appeared to have no official report of the incident. SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omilani, the state police spokesperson, commented on the matter, saying, “No such incident has been reported to us. We have no record of this situation.”
This statement has sparked criticism from local residents, who expressed frustration at the lack of official support during such crises. “This is one of the reasons people no longer trust the police. It’s troubling that the police had no information about this high-profile case,” said one local resident, who wished to remain unnamed.
The Broader Picture of Kidnapping in Ondo State
The abduction of Reverend Olowolagba and his family is just one of many kidnapping cases that have plagued Ondo State in recent months. Criminal gangs, believed to be responsible for the rising wave of abductions, have made it clear that they are targeting wealthy individuals, business owners, and now, even religious figures.
In the same week, another tragic incident unfolded in the state. Aliu Yunusa, a well-known herdsman, was killed by suspected kidnappers in the Ilu-Abo junction area of Akure South Local Government Area. Yunusa had previously been targeted by kidnappers who attempted to steal his cattle. Although he had successfully fought off the abductors and rescued his wife, the assailants returned, overpowering him and fatally injuring him with machetes. According to Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, the herdsman’s body was found in the early hours of the morning, his motorcycle set ablaze by the assailants. “Our officers are combing the forest in search of these criminals,” Adeleye assured.
These incidents highlight the escalating insecurity in the region, with both kidnappers and violent criminals becoming bolder by the day. Authorities have promised to increase efforts in tackling these crimes, but local residents remain skeptical of the effectiveness of the security measures in place.
A Plea for Action
The clergy, while thankful for their release, have expressed concerns about the safety of their community and the increasing lawlessness that is undermining peace in the region. Reverend Bada, speaking on behalf of the Diocese, said, “We need to work together, both religious and secular authorities, to ensure that this does not become a regular occurrence. We must be proactive in addressing this insecurity that threatens our peace.”
