Kidnappers release abducted Ondo church choristers

There are reports that huge ransom was paid by the church and families of the victims to secure their freedom.

Olumayowa Samuel • October 6, 2023

Christ Apostolic Church [Credit: christapostolicchurch.org.ng]

Members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igan, Akure in Ondo state, abducted a week ago, have been released by their abductors.

The state police public relations officer, SP Ibukun Odunlami, told Peoples Gazette on Friday, that they were released on Thursday night.

“Yes, they were released late yesterday evening. I can’t confirm if ransom was paid. Effort is ongoing to arrest the abductors and of course, we’ll not make public some of our plans on getting them,” she said.

However, Vanguard reports that a worshipper revealed in Akure that huge amount of money was paid by the church and families of the victims as ransom to secure their freedom.

The kidnappers had demanded N50 million ransom for the release of the remaining 17 victims after eight of the 25 abducted narrowly escaped from the kidnappers’ den on Saturday.

The victims, who are members of the church choir, were kidnaped along Ifon-Benin road on their way to a funeral ceremony.

“The negotiating team of the church returned with the remaining victims at 11:47 p.m. to the premises of the church in Akure,” he disclosed.

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