Relief swept through Ondo State as Anglican Bishop Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and children regained their freedom on Saturday following days of harrowing captivity. Their release came after concerned parties raised and paid a negotiated ransom of ₦15 million, significantly reduced from the initial demand of ₦75 million.
The family’s ordeal began on their journey from Ipesi through Isua Akoko, when armed kidnappers intercepted them along Iboropa Road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area. The victims included the bishop, his wife, their university student daughter from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, and a nine-year-old girl.
Their disappearance only came to light when they failed to arrive at their destination in Ikaram or return home the following morning. The incident prompted immediate action from local security forces, including the Ondo State security outfit Amotekun, who collaborated with local hunters in search operations.
The ransom payment that secured their release represented a collective effort, with contributions flowing in from family members, church congregants, and various associations connected to both the bishop and his wife. This community response highlighted the strong social bonds and support systems within the religious community during times of crisis.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, commander of the Amotekun corps, confirmed the family’s release while maintaining discretion about the specific circumstances surrounding their freedom. The security outfit had earlier coordinated with local hunters and police forces in Ikare and Isua during the search operations.
Throughout the ordeal, Rev. Bada provided updates on the security response, noting the involvement of multiple agencies: “We have notified the hunters and reported the matter to the police in both Ikare and Isua. Our operatives and the hunters have been combing the area.” This multi-agency approach demonstrated the coordinated effort to secure the family’s release.
The incident has raised concerns about security along the Isua and Ise-Akoko route, a stretch of road that has increasingly become vulnerable to criminal activities. The successful negotiation and release, while bringing relief to the immediate community, also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by travelers and residents in the region.
The abduction and subsequent ransom payment underscore the persistent issue of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, particularly affecting prominent community figures and their families. Such incidents continue to pose significant security challenges for both local authorities and communities.
The involvement of multiple security agencies in the search operation, including Amotekun, local hunters, and the police, reflects the complexity of addressing security challenges in the region. Their collaborative efforts, though ultimately overshadowed by the ransom payment, demonstrate the potential for coordinated security responses to such incidents.
The successful release of the bishop and his family brings attention to the broader issue of security infrastructure and the need for enhanced protective measures along vulnerable travel routes. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and strengthening security protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
As the family begins their recovery from this traumatic experience, their ordeal serves as a sobering reminder of the security challenges facing religious leaders and their families in Nigeria. The community’s swift response in raising the ransom demonstrates both the strength of religious solidarity and the unfortunate reality of having to negotiate with kidnappers to secure the release of loved ones.
The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures and surveillance along major travel routes, particularly in areas known for such criminal activities. As the family returns to their community, their experience adds to the ongoing dialogue about security reforms and the need for more effective preventive measures against kidnapping in the region.
