Rev. Canon Olowolagba, the Ondo Anglican priest, his wife, and two children, who were kidnapped on Sunday, have been released.
The details of their release at the time of filing this report were sketchy.
The kidnappers had earlier demanded a ransom of N75m.
The Anglican priest and his family members were abducted along the Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rev. Babajide Bada, who confirmed the incident, said it happened last Sunday between 4 pm and 5:30 pm.
The Witness learnt that the Ẹgbẹ Akọ́mọlédè in Ondo State had asked its members to contribute money to raise N10m to pay as ransom to the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, a prominent herdsman in Ondo State, Aliu Yunusa, has been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.
Yunusa was killed near Ilu-Abo junction, Akure South Local Government Area while going to his ranch.
Commander of Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said Yunusa was killed by individuals believed to be fellow Fulani herdsmen who attempted to rustle his cattle.
He said: “They had earlier kidnapped his wife, but he fought them off and retrieved her. Unfortunately, they (gunmen) returned, overpowered, and killed him while trying to steal his cows.
“A distress call was placed to the Amotekun Corps’ Ogbese outpost by fellow herdsmen who discovered Yunusa’s body at the scene.
“Upon arriving at the location, Amotekun officers found Yunusa’s body with multiple machete wounds.
“His motorcycle had also been set ablaze by the assailants.
“Our officers are combing the forest in search of these criminals.”
