Ondo: Eight Abducted Choir Members Rescued

By Ayodele Oni

Eight of the 25 choir members of a Christ Apostolic Church, Akure, Ondo state abducted by kidnappers have regained freedom.

The choir members were on their way to Ifon, in Ose Local Government when they were intercepted along the Owo/Benin highway on Friday evening.

It was gathered that those freed escaped from their abductors, but the state police command said they were rescued by a combined team of security agents, that are on trail of the kidnappers.

Police statement issued on Saturday explained that “On the 29th of September,2022 at about   16 45 hrs, the police got an information that a Bus with the inscription of Christ Apostolic Church was abandoned around Elegbeka area, along  owo – ifon express way and there was suspicion that the Passengers of the vehicle were kidnapped.”

The statement, signed by the spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami- Omisanya, added that “Policemen led by the DPO of Ipele  division in company of Police tactical teams, local Vigilantes and other security outfits  moved into the bush for rescue operation and arrest of perpetrators.

“Consequently there was breakthrough as eight of the victims have been rescued and are currently at Ipele  Divisional Police Station.

“The rescued victims said they are members of CAC Oke Igan in Akure and were on their way to Ifon for a wake keep service of one of their members.

“That while on their way, at  Ajagbale  via Elegbeka on ifon/ owo expressway, they were accosted by five unknown gunmen, who shot sporadically and forcefully took them into the bush.

“The rescued victims are helping the Police with vital information  on how to rescue others and arrest the assailants.

“The Commissioner of Police  Asabi Abiodun has assured the good people of the state of adequate security and promise to bring to book all those involved in this criminal act.”