FORMER Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Reverend (Dr) Peter Jasper Akinola, was on Tuesday, kidnapped in Ogun State.
However, as of the time of filing this report, an online medium, Saharareporters quoting Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu said the primate had been rescued by men of Ogun State police command around the Ilaro axis of the state.
Bishop of Remo Diocese (Anglican Communion), Reverend (Dr) Sina Fape, while confirming the kidnap said the primate has however been rescued.
Reacting to the news of the kidnapping, Reverend Fape said it was a rude shock! “This shows the level of insecurity in our nation and the fact that Nigeria is in a very serious trouble.
“If a church prelate of high repute like Papa Akinola could be kidnapped, that is an ominous sign for Nigeria that all is not well in this country. Our government must do something urgently to stem the wave of insecurity. Honestly, it is a great assault on our nation’s integrity. We appeal to our government to rise up and combat the problem of insecurity headlong,” he said.
It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 3.00 p.m, in front of the main entrance of the Peter Akinola Foundation Centre for Youth Industrial Training at kilometre10, on the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.
His driver, whose name was unknown as at the time of filing this report, was also taken away.
Nigerian Tribune learnt from a close aide of the victim that the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) was blocked by the kidnappers, while he was returning from the vocational centre, where he went for an inspection.
The kidnappers were said to have shot sporadically to scare people away from the scene and were able to drive the vehicle and the occupants away.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, said it was too hasty to conclude that the incident was a case of kidnapping.
The PPRO said that a manhunt had been launched by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye.
“We are aware of the incident but it is too early to jump into conclusion that it is kidnapping. We were told that some armed men waylaid him and went away with his vehicle. But we have seen cases where armed men will steal a vehicle and go away with its owner or occupant for their own safety. Therefore, it’s too early to draw the line that it is kidnapping.
“However, we have alerted our men. We have details of the vehicle. By God’s grace, it won’t be a sad situation. The primate will be safe. The Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander are out to make sure he is safe.”
VOICE OF THE PERSECUTED 