Three members of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State were abducted on Monday evening, and their kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N15 million for their release.
The church members were kidnapped while returning from a Bible Study session in Kasemola area, Ogbese community. A family source revealed that the abductors have contacted the families and the church leadership to make their demands known.
“They want N5 million per victim,” the source said. “We are currently raising money from well-wishers and church members to pay the ransom.”
The kidnappers’ demand has stirred fear among the families and the church community, but the church leaders have organized prayer groups to pray for the safe return of the victims.
A church insider confirmed that the incident has been reported to the police and the Amotekun security group operating in the state. “We have informed security agencies and are hopeful that our members will be freed soon,” the source said.
The Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the kidnapping but did not specify the number of victims. “I can confirm there was a kidnapping incident. Detectives are combing the forest to find the victims and secure their release,” he said.
Efforts are ongoing to track and arrest the kidnappers, with security agencies intensifying their search in the forest areas where the victims were taken.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a worrying trend in parts of Nigeria, including Ondo State, where innocent citizens are targeted even during peaceful activities like church meetings.
The families and church members are urging the kidnappers to release the victims unharmed and are appealing for calm and prayers from the public as security forces continue their efforts.
This latest incident highlights the increasing insecurity challenges facing communities in Ondo State and calls for stronger measures to protect citizens from such violent crimes.
