Abductors of Anglican priest demand N15m ransom

Gunmen, who abducted an Anglican priest, Revd. Anthony Oyi, on Saturday morning in his farm at Issele-Mkpitime, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, have demanded N15 million ransom for his release.

The hoodlums were said to have made the demand after establishing contact with the family through the Priest’s elder brother, Mr. Francis Oyi.

Reports said the Priest’s brother had attempted to haggle the N15 million down to N200,000; an action that infuriated the gunmen who then decided to lead to go incommunicado since Saturday.

It was, however, gathered that efforts still are ongoing to source for the ransom before the abductors re-established call with the family.

It could not be ascertained if the Anglican Communion in the state or his local assembly is harnessing resources together to get their priest out of the stranglehold of the suspected Fulani marauders.

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Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, Mr. Muhammed Inuwa, in a chat with our correspondent on Sunday his men, with local vigilance men, were still combing the woods to rescue the priest unhurt.

“It’s our responsibility to protect life and property and our men were mobilized to the bushes along with others to see if we can rescue him.

“And up till evening time (Saturday), they were in the bush,” he noted.

It will be recalled that Revd. Oyi, his wife, children, and a friend were Saturday morning abducted from his at Issele-Mkpitime, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that shortly after the victims were kidnapped, the assailants left the priest’s wife and children off the hook, but whisked away Rev Oyi and his friend.

 

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