A former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Peter Jasper Akinola, was kidnapped yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
According to a report by an online medium, The Eagle Online, Akinola was waylaid at about 3pm by gunmen in front of the Peter Akinola Foundation Centre for Youth Industrial Training at Kilometre 10, Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway and driven away in his Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) along with his daughter and driver.
However, their ordeal was short-lived as the trio was rescued by officers and men of the Ogun State Police Command at about 8pm.
The police spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), had earlier confirmed the incident, adding that it was too early to conclude that it was a case of kidnapping.
Adejobi said the state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered manhunt for Akinola’s abductors.
He said: “We are aware of the incident but it is too early to jump into conclusion that it is kidnapping.
“We were told that some armed men waylaid him and went away with his vehicle.
“But we have seen cases where armed men will steal a vehicle and go away with its owner or occupant for their own safety.
“Therefore, it is too early to draw the line that it is kidnapping. However, we have alerted our men. We have details of the vehicle. By God’s grace, it won’t be a sad situation. The primate will be safe. The CP (Commissioner of Police) and the Area Commander are out to make sure he is safe.”
The Virtue Online (VOL), the Anglican Church news website, which announced that Akinola was kidnapped said the current Primate, the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, had called on Anglicans to pray for the release of the victims.
About five hours after their kidnapping, Akinola, his daughter and driver were rescued but the gunmen escaped with the SUV.
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