Kidnappers abduct wife of Anglican Communion Secretary, demand N20million ransom

Armed men suspected to be kidnappers on Monday evening invaded the home of the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Ayodeji Fagbemi, in Akure, Ondo State, abducting his wife,  Ebunoluwa.

It was gathered that the armed kidnappers who gained entrance into the building of the Fagbemis, located in Oba Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of the state, took their victim away in her Toyota Sport Utility Van to an unknown destination.

Speaking on the development, the husband of the victim, Venerable Fagbemi disclosed that the abductors had contacted the family, demanding for N20million ransom for the release of his wife, but said the family had no such money.

The former Provost of Bishop Vinning College of Theology said, “Everybody is traumatised and we are all praying for her safe return to us. Again, there is a very outrageous expectation; the abductors demanded for N20million which I don’t think anybody can afford. But at the moment, we are really praying.”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr. Femi Joseph said the command had commenced investigation on the matter, adding that policemen had already commenced a search for the victim, while he gave an assurance that the kidnappers would be brought to book.

He said: “Our men have commenced serious search to secure the release of the woman but we shall surely ensure that the victim is released unhurt.”

In his reaction, the Bishop of Akure Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Very Rev. Simeon Borokini described the incident as unfortunate, stressing the need for the government at all levels to do more on security in the country.

The Anglican cleric said the church had been praying for the safe return of Mrs Fagbemi, adding that the church had also contacted all the security agencies in the state to assist in ensuring the release of the woman.

According to the Bishop, “it is unfortunate that our security is porous in this country. But the police commissioner said she has contacted their units even up to Abuja. She has also sent some of her men to Oba Ile. But we, as a church, have started praying for her (Mrs Fagbemi) safe return.”