It was learnt that Ayeola, the bishop, Samuel Ojo, and the bishop’s wife, were travelling to Abeokuta, Ogun State, from Imojo Ekiti, Ekiti State, when they were waylaid by the gunmen.
However, the assailants were said to have taken the chaplain captive, as others escaped.
A top official of the church, who spoke with Punch on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers had demanded N100m from the church.
He said, “This happened between 6am and 7am on Thursday. The Bishop of the African Church, Ondo Central Diocese and his team consisting of his wife, the chaplain and the driver were travelling from Ekiti State where the bishop hails from to Abeokuta where we are having our national convention when they were waylaid.
“The team fled into the bush, but the gunmen chased them and took the chaplain who just finished his seminary.
“They contacted the headquarters of the church at Akure and demanded N100m. They have been negotiating and it appears they are not ready to back down on their demand.”
A source at the church said special prayers were offered by all members of the church at the national convention which ended on Friday.
“The bishop that escaped cannot talk right now because he is afraid for his life. We are still praying for the quick release of the priest,” he added.
The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ademola, confirmed the incident, saying the police were making efforts to rescue the cleric.
Source:
EmoticonEmoticon