Abductors of nine members of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Igan, Akure, have demanded N50m as ransom for the release of their victims.
The kidnappers, on Friday afternoon, abducted 20 members of the church but eight escaped while the whereabouts of three were still unknown as at press time.
It was gathered that other members of the church have begun prayers for the safe release of the victims. gathered to seek the face of God for the safe release of the kidnapped members.
Regional Superintendent of CAC, Odubanjo Regional Headquarters, Ondo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, said, the choir of the church embarked on a journey to Ifon for a Christian wake in honour of the church’s organist who was to bury his late father.
“They took off from Akure on Friday and were supposed to be back today after the burial.
“It was around 4pm on Friday that someone called me that a bus belonging to the church was seen abandoned by the roadside around Elegbeka, and nobody was inside at the time
“The Cmcaller said 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 N50m immediately if we indeed love our members.
“Nine of the victims are currently with the abductors while 8 have regained their freedom but we cannot ascertain the whereabouts of 3 other members.
“I believe God will help the security agencies to rescue the nine individuals still in captivity and apprehend the perpetrators of the criminal act”.