Methodist Church reverend kidnapped in Ibadan

A reverend of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Biodun Ogunbekun, has been kidnapped in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Ogunbekun is serving at Akobo-Ojurin area of Ibadan under the Diocese of Agodi.

He was kidnapped by five gunmen who traced him to his farm at Kufi area along Olounda-Aba road, Ibadan.

In a statement by the Diocesan Bishop of the cathedral, Rt. Rev. Amos Ajiboye, Friday, the clergyman was said to have been kidnapped around 7pm on Thursday while preparing to leave the farm.

The statement read in part: “The whereabouts of the minister of God is still unknown. On behalf of the Prelate of the church, His Eminence, Dr. K. Uche, and the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. M.K. Stephen, I appeal to the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the state Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to please assist in finding the whereabouts of the minister of God and help release him unhurt.”

While narrating the account of the kidnap, Ajiboye said Ogunbekun was in the farm with two of his staff. He explained that when he was to leave the farm, a gunman forced his way in as the gate was opened. Four other gunmen also appeared and whisked away Ogunbekun into the surrounding bush on foot.

“We were told that the kidnappers did not come with any vehicle or motorcycle. They tried to take the man of God away in his truck but they could not for some reason. They then decided to whisk him away on foot. We have alerted the police and they had visited the farm.” The statement added.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command arrested two members of the Methodist Church Cathedral in Ibadan on Sunday for planning to rob the church with intent to steal N1.5 million.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu, said a worker in the church, Ogundijo Abiola, 43, and the church drummer, Alabi Olukunle, 25, were involved in the planned robbery. But Bishop Ajiboye said there was no link yet between the two crimes.

 

 

The post Methodist Church reverend kidnapped in Ibadan appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

from The Nation Nigeria http://ift.tt/2eoPaE1
via IFTTT