Abductors demand N20 million ransom for release of cleric’s wife

The General Secretary, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Ayodeji Fagbemi, whose wife, Ebunoluwa, was kidnapped on Monday by kidnappers, has been contacted to pay N20 million ransom for her release.

Ebunoluwa was abducted at night by some armed men, who invaded her residence at Oba-Ile, in Akure North Local Council of Ondo State three days ago.

The state police command confirmed the incident, revealing that the men of the underworld forced their way into the house through the window and whisked the woman away in her Toyota Jeep to an unknown destination.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, told newsmen that the command has commenced investigation, adding that searching for the whereabouts of the abductee has also begun.

“Our men have already began the search for the women, but you know we can’t disclose the method we are using to the media now but we shall surely ensure that the victim would be released unhurt,” he said.

Husband of the victim, while speaking with our correspondent yesterday, said the abductors had contacted the family and demanded for N20 million ransom.

Venerable Fagbemi, however, lamented the incident and declared that the family had no such money to pay for her release. The victim’s spouse, who is a former Provost of the Bishop Vining College of Theology, Akure, said “everybody is traumatised and we are all praying for her safe return to us.

“Again there is a very outrageous expectation, the abductors demanded for N20 million, which I don’t think anybody can afford. But at the movement we are really praying.”

The Bishop of Akure Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Very Rev. Simeon Borikini, described the incident as unfortunate, saying there was dire need for the government at all levels to do more on the security of the country.