About 25 members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) from Akure, the state capital, were reportedly abducted by some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Friday afternoon.
The victims who were said to be traveling to Ifon, in Ose local government area of the state, for a burial ceremony were stopped by the suspect kidnappers who whisked them away.
According to a source who explained that the victims were members of the Oke Igan branch of CAC in Akure, who were traveling with the church vehicle.
The source who confirmed that about two members of her family were among the kidnapped members of the church said there was no news from the victims.
She explained that they were reportedly going for a programme in Ose council area of the state.
She said the victims were kidnapped around 3 pm on Friday, with their vehicle conveying members of the choir and others abandoned on the side of the road
Confirming the incident, the State Police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, said the command was informed about the development on Friday afternoon
She said men from command swung into action immediately, saying detectives from the command have been on the trail of the suspected kidnappers.
Odunlami said; “Yesterday afternoon, the police was informed that a church bus with the Inscription CAC was abandoned around Elegbeka area.
“There are suspicions that the passengers in the vehicle were kidnapped and the Police Anti kidnapping squad and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to rescue the victims and arrest all involved in the crime”.
She said further information will be communicated later if there is any new development.
The Owo-Ifon-Benin road which is notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery is currently in deplorable condition.
Meanwhile, an unconfirmed report said six of the kidnapped choir members have been rescued by members of the community in Molege.
It was gathered that some of the released victims, said the kidnappers have established contacts with their family members in Akure the state capital, before releasing them, saying only 18 of them were abducted.
A source said members of the Amotekun corps are now combing forest in the area in search of the remaining ones, while members of the Church have embarked on marathon prayers for the release of others victims.
The victims were going for a burial ceremony in Ose council area, at least two of who belong to the same family.
TRIBUNE
