By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The abducted Anglican bishop, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, along with his wife and children, have regained their freedom after being kidnapped along the Iboropa Road in the Akoko North-East council area of Ondo State.

A reliable source disclosed that their release was secured on Saturday after a ransom amounting to millions of naira was paid. According to family sources, the ransom was raised through contributions from the victims’ family, the church, and various associations the couple is affiliated with.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N75 million but later negotiated the amount to N15 million after discussions with family members and church leaders.

The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, narrated the events leading to the abduction. He explained that the victims were traveling from Ipesi through Isua Akoko when they were kidnapped between Isua and Ise-Akoko. The family’s disappearance was only discovered the following morning when they failed to arrive at their destination in Ikaram or return home.

Among those abducted were the bishop, his wife, their university-aged daughter from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and a nine-year-old girl.

The matter was reported to various security agencies, including the Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun. The commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that their team, alongside local hunters, had been working to locate and rescue the victims.

“We have notified the hunters and reported the matter to the police in both Ikare and Isua. Amotekun operatives and hunters have been combing the bush to ensure the victims are rescued,” Rev. Bada noted.

Despite initial reports suggesting the police were not informed, Amotekun confirmed the abduction and later announced the victims’ release.

Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the state commander of Amotekun, confirmed to journalists over the weekend that the victims had been freed. However, he declined to provide details on how and where the release occurred.

“The pastor and his family have been released,” Adeleye stated, without elaborating on the circumstances surrounding their freedom.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about insecurity and the challenges of combating kidnapping in the region.