Suspected Kidnappers on Thursday abducted a Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and other passengers in a 14-seater commercial bus in Ipapo, Oyo state.
It was learnt that the RCCG Pastor, identified as Olugbenga Olawore was traveling in the bus with others to Lagos along the Maya axis of Lanlate-Eruwa road at about 5 pm when the gunmen reportedly abducted them.
The pastor reported to be in charge of Heavens Gate Parish of RCCG, Lagos Province 73, along Agbara-Lusada road, Ogun state was said to be returning from Ipapo town, after finalising the burial arrangements for his mother slated for next week.
Sources said the suspected kidnappers attacked the vehicle at about 5 pm and led the passengers including the Pastor into the bush.
A family source said the kidnappers reportedly called the Pastor’s wife at about 8 pm and allowed him to talk to her during which the Pastor was said to have told his wife that he was kidnapped with others and that the abductors were demanding N10 million as ransom.
According to the family source, the kidnappers again called the Pastor’s wife on Friday morning at about 9 a.m during which the pastor was said to be appealing to his wife to look for money, even if it was N1 million.
The Pastor was said to be pleading with the wife to raise the money so that the abductors will not kill him as they have already killed some of those abducted.
At this point, the family source said the kidnappers cut off the call while efforts by the wife to call back failed as the line had been switched off.
It was gathered that the Pastor’s family later headed for the Police station in the town where they met family members of others who were also kidnapped.
Sources said it was learnt that the Police have recovered the abandoned commercial bus with some phones belonging to some of the kidnapped passengers in the bus.
Contacted, Oyo state Police command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adewale Osifeso, said, “Investigation is in progress. Updates will be provided accordingly.”
