JUST-IN: Gunmen Kidnap 25 Church Members In Ondo

No fewer than 25 choir members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igan, Akure, Ondo State state capital, have been kidnapped along the Owo-Ose axis of the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the victims were kidnapped on Friday evening on their way to Ifon in Ose local government area for a burial ceremony of a parent of one of them.

As of the time of this report, eight of them have, however, escaped from their suspected abductors.

A source who preferred anonymity told our correspondent that the eight victims miraculously escaped after the kidnappers had collected their mobile phones.

Confirming their freedom, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, however, said the kidnap victims were rescued by Police operatives.

She said: “8 victims rescued, effort is on to rescue others unhurt.”

According to the PPRO, “The rescued victims said they are members of CAC Oke Igann, Akure. They were on their way to a burial wake, on getting to Ajagbale via Elegbeka on Ifon/Owo expressway, they were accosted by 5 unknown gunmen who shot sporadically and forcefully took them into the bush.”

Meanwhile, another source in the church told LEADERSHIP that the vehicle conveying the kidnapped choir members was seen abandoned by the roadside.

The PPRO added that the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to rescue the remaining victims and arrest all involved in the crime.