Catholic priest kidnapped in Ondo as abductors demand for N20m ransom

A Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Joseph Ajayi, has been abducted along the Akure-Ikere Road in Ondo State.

A family source, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday while the clergyman was travelling in his Toyota Corolla sedan car.

Ajayi was said to be returning from Ikere – a city in neighbouring Ekiti State and travelling to Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He was on his way to Ilara-Mokin – located very close to Akure, the Ondo State capital where his parish is situated – before he was attacked and taken away by yet-to-be-identified persons to an undisclosed location.

The 49-year-old reverend father was said to be traveling alone. However, the police authorities in the state have yet to confirm the incident.

Meanwhile, abductors of the Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ajayi, have demanded N20m ransom for his release.

The Secretary to the bishop of the Ondo Catholic Diocese, Jude Arogundade , Rev. Fr. Victor Ibiyemi, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Akure last night said the abductors had contacted the church demanding a sum of N20 million ransom.

Ibiyemi said that; “We are on it since morning, they (kidnappers) have contacted the church, demanding N20million,” the cleric disclosed.

The state police command spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami could not be reached last night for comment.

But reports had it that the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun and the state police command have been informed of the unfortunate incident.