The Police in Oyo State have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers of Oluwaseun Aderogba, the Anglican Bishop of Jebba Diocese, Kwara State, his wife and driver.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Adewale Osifeso, disclosed this through a statement, while confirming the incident on Monday.
Bishop Aderogba, his wife and driver were kidnapped on Sunday, at about 9.00pm along the new Oyo/Ogbomoso highway.
The incident comes two weeks after the Methodist Prelate, Samuel Kanu-Uche, and two other clerics were kidnapped in Abia State. The kidnappers, according to Mr. Kanu-Uche, collected N100 million ransom, before their release.
The Anglican Bishop’s chaplain, who was with the victims when the incident happened, said their vehicle developed a fault a few kilometers to Oyo, on their way from Ogun State to Jebba, and before help could come, some armed men emerged from the bush and surrounded them.
He said he was lucky because he was not visible because of his black cassock and fell flat on the ground to hide while the abductors marched the Bishop, wife and driver into the bush.
The PPRO said that preliminary investigations revealed that the victim’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault, while traveling from Yewa, Ogun State, to Jebba, Kwara State, en route an isolated area on New Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway.
He said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations of the Command, has since taken charge of the rescue operation that began 9am on Sunday.
Osifeso said all the tactical teams of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Ambush Squad, Puff Adder, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Conventional Police personnel, along with local hunters and vigilantes, are all involved in the rescue operations.
He further disclosed that a simultaneous investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been vigorously embarked upon, to ensure that the victims are rescued unhurt.
He enjoined members of the public to report any suspicious movement to the nearest Police Division or formation, credible and timely information and assured the general public of their safety, as they went about their lawful activities.
– NAN