June 13, 2022
Gunmen have abducted an Anglican Bishop, Reverend Oluwaseun Aderogba of Jebba Diocese, Kwara State his wife, and driver.
The victims were abducted on Sunday along the new Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway in Oyo State.
The Police Public Relations of the command, Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the incident in a statement explained that one Reverend Adekunle Adeluwa reported the incident at Atiba Divisional Police Headquarters.
Osifeso noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the victims’ vehicle developed what seemed to be a mechanical fault while traveling from Yewa in Ogun State to Jebba in Kwara.
“All the tactical teams of the Command 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,” the command’s spokesman said.
“Meanwhile, a discreet investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) is simultaneously been vigorously embarked upon to ensure that the victims are rescued unhurt.
“While enjoining members of the public to report any suspicion to the nearest Police Division or formation, credible and timely information, the General Public are assured of their safety as they go about their lawful activities.”
In a related development, Rev. Fr. James Kantoma, the Parish priest of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Angware, Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau has also been abducted.
DSP Alabo Alfred, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, confirmed the abduction to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.
Alfred said that Kantoma, who is also the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the local government, was kidnapped on Sunday night at the church’s vicarage.
He said the command has deployed officers and men from the anti-kidnapping unit to the community.
“Our men are already working to ensure that the cleric regains his freedom and apprehend those behind the abduction,” the PPRO said.
Speaking, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, the Chairman of CAN in the state, described the incident as ”unfortunate and sad.”
“Since the gunmen took the priest away, we have not heard anything either from him or the abductors.
”This is so sad, but we are praying for him that no harm will befall him wherever he is,” he said.
Lubo, however, called on government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted priest and others in captivity
