Kidnappers demand N5m ransom for abducted Deeper Life Church members in Ondo

Tension has gripped residents of Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State following the abduction of three worshippers from the Deeper Christian Life Ministry on Monday evening.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped while returning from a Bible study session at the Kasemola area of Ogbese, Ondo State.

According to sources, the attackers laid an ambush and forcefully took the church members into the nearby forest.

A member of the church, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident in a message shared with fellow worshippers:

“Good morning, beloved. Kindly pray along with us. Three of our members were kidnapped yesterday after Bible study at Kasemola inside the Ogbese axis.”

It has also been confirmed that the kidnappers have since reached out to the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of N5 million for their release.

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The case has been promptly reported to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Ondo State chapter of the Amotekun Corps, a local security outfit.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, stating that police operatives are actively tracking the kidnappers in the bushes and working with the community to rescue the victims.

He noted, however, that he could not confirm the exact number of victims at the time of his statement.

Meanwhile, the church community is placing its trust in divine intervention and fervent prayers for the safe return of the abducted members.

Residents are increasingly calling for improved security in the Ogbese area, which has unfortunately witnessed a rise in similar kidnapping incidents in recent months. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing rural communities across the state.