The kidnappers of Bishop of the Lagos Diocess of the Christ African Church, GT Adebanjo and his wife have demanded N10 million to release the couple.
Our reporter learnt that the top hierarchy of the African Church were locked in negotiation with the kidnappers at the time of this report on Saturday afternoon.
A former chancellor of the church, Mr Debo Oduguwa, a lawyer, told our reporter, “They (kidnappers) contacted some of our bishops today (Saturday) and asked for N10 million to facilitate their release.”
It would be recalled that the couple was abducted on Friday evening in a village near Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta state.
The driver of the black Toyota Avensis In which the clergy and his wife were riding was shot in the arm. He is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital in Warri.
Oduguwa, who spoke in a telephone chat with our reporter on Friday nightingale the incident said: “The bishop of our church was abducted in a village just about five minutes to Warri.”
He said the senior clergy man was on his way to the Oil City of Warri to attend the annual harvest and thanksgiving ceremony of the Christ African church, Odion Road Warri, when he fell prey to the hoodlums at about 4pm.
“Bishop Adebanjo was on an episcopal visit to one of the Arch-deaconery in Warri when he was abducted. The, driver was shot and is in one of the hospital in Warri as I speak with you.”
Oduguwa further revealed that although the vehicle had been recovered, the whereabouts outs of the bishop and his wife remained unknown when he spoke with our reporter at 10pm last night.
He further revealed that spirited effort was being made by top members of the church and their members in the police and armed forces to secure the release of the couple.
To this end, Oduguwa disclosed that they were networking with the Oyo State Commissioner and the Public Relations Officer in the Force headquarters who are members of the church.
Contacted, Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr Usman Baba Alkali, confirmed the report, describing it as an unfortunate incident.
He said, “It is an unfortunate incident but the police is working to rescue the victims.
“We have recovered the vehicle the couple were driving. The driver who was shot in the hand has been rushed to the hospital, he is in stable condition.
“Our intelligence revealed that the kidnappers were heading to Warri and we have a stop and search operation ongoing.”
Cap Alkali revealed that the kidnappers were on a Toyota Camry. Vanguard
