Gunmen kidnap Methodist Reverend in Ibadan

A Methodist minister, The Reverend Dr Biodun Ogunbekun, was on Thursday, kidnapped by five gunmen in Ibadan.

The Reverend Ogunbekun, who was kidnapped at about 7p.m. at his farm at Kufi Area, along Olorunda-Aba road, was stationed at Methodist Church Nigeria, Akobo-Ojurin, Diocese of Agodi, Ibadan, capital city of Oyo State.

Addressing the Press in Ibadan on Friday, the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt Rev Amos Ajiboye said Rev Ogunbekun went to his farm to pick up something and was about leaving when the gunmen, who were also masked, gained entry into the farm and dragged him away with them into the bush on foot.

According to Bishop Ajiboye, two of the staff of Rev Ogunbekun were with him at the time of the incident, adding that it was one of the staff members that was opening the gate for their boss to leave when the gunmen swooped on them.

He also explained that the gunmen did not come in a vehicle and did not make away with the minister’s vehicle with number plate OSUN SSU 74 XA.

Bishop Ajiboye, however, “on behalf of his Eminence, Dr S.C.K. Uche, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria and his Grace, Most Rev M.K. Stephen, Archbishop of Ibadan, appeal to the state governor, state commissioner of police, all other security agencies and well meaning Nigerians to please assist in finding the man of God.”

The Diocesan Bishop reiterated the prayer of the entire diocese, that God would touch the hearts of the kidnappers to release The Rev Dr Ogunbekun very soon and unhurt.

He also explained to the press that the Police from Akobo-Ojurin station had visited the farm.

Oyo Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Adekunle Ajisebutu, in a telephone discussion, promised to inquire about the case and get back to Saturday Tribune. He had not done so as of press time on Friday.