.Kidnappers Demand N50m ransom
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Reverend father Leo Michael , presiding priest of Saint Michael Catholic Church Obajana , was abducted on Tuesday evening at Irepeni village in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi state.
Also a yet to be identified pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG was abducted on the same spot and at the same time on his way to Okene , while a lecturer in Chemistry with Kogi State College of Education ( Technical ), Kabba, Mr. Aronimu Samuel Babatunde was kidnapped along Okene Kabba road.
Babatunde, it was gathered, has not collected his salaries since Governor Yahaya Bello took over almost three years ago.
According to Bishop Peter Adinoyi, the Diocesan Chancellor of Lokoja Diocese, the abductors came from the bush near the Irepeni village , very close to Army roadblock in a ‘Rambo style’ manner dragged down Rev Leo Michael and one other person believed to be a pastor with RCCG and sped off into the bush, leaving the two vehicles parked along the road.
The Bishop stated that the abductors have established contact with some members of the Church, adding that they have brought down the ransom from N50M to N8m threatening to wait for the worst if their demand is not met before 1pm Thursday.
He noted that the DSS and the Army have swung into action to track down the perpetrators.
Lamenting the spate of abduction and the increasing insecurity of life and property in the country, he called on the government to quickly address the ugly situation to prevent the country becoming a failed state.
The Police Public Relations officer, ASP Willam Aya confirmed the abduction of the Reverend father but said he is not aware of the abduction of the other pastor and a lecturer Mr Samuel Babatunde.
