It was learnt that the Bishop of Oyo, Bishop Aladekugbe had risen to the occasion to alert the leadership of the church, Most Revd Henry Ndukuba and other members of the house of bishops.

It took hours to hear from the abductors, through the bishop’s wife whom they allowed speaking for a few seconds with one of the bishops, demanding N50 million ransom.

Spokesperson for the Command, Adewale Osifeso, in a statement, yesterday, said the Command is working to secure their release and arrest the criminals.

The Bishop’s chaplain, who was around when the victims were abducted by gunmen said their vehicle developed a mechanical fault while travelling from Yewa, Ogun State to Jebba, Kwara State en route an isolated area along New Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway.

He said: “We were travelling from Jebba to Oyo, when it was a few kilometres to Oyo, our vehicle developed a fault. My Lord bishop called the Lord bishop of Oyo, Bishop Aladekugbe for help.  However, before the help surfaced some armed men surrounded us and ordered them into the bush. I was lucky. 

“I was not visible, because of my black cassock. I fell flat on my belly to hide, while they marched my bishop and wife deep into the forest”.

He said: “On Sunday 12/06/2022 at about 2100HRS, One Rev. Adekunle Adeluwa, reported to the Command through an incident report at Atiba Divisional Police Headquarters, Oyo town that at about 2030hours, One Bishop Rt. Revd Aderogba of Jebba Diocese, Kwara State in the company of his wife and driver were abducted.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims’ vehicle developed what seemed a mechanical fault while travelling from Yewa, Ogun State to Jebba, Kwara State, en route to an isolated area along New Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway. 

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations of the Command is in charge of the rescue operation that has commenced since 2100HRS of Sunday 12/06/2022.

“All the tactical teams of the Command Anti-Kidnapping squad, Ambush Squad, Puff Adder, Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Conventional Police personnel along with local hunters and vigilantes are all involved in the rescue operations.

“Meanwhile discreet investigation led by the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) is simultaneously been vigorously embarked upon to ensure that the victims are rescued unhurt.

“Members of the public are enjoined to report any suspicion to the nearest police division or formation, of any credible and timely information.

“The public are assured of their safety as they go about their lawful activities.” 

MEANWHILE, Kwara State Police Command has promised “tactical support” for its Oyo State counterpart on the release of the kidnapped Bishop Rt. Revd Oluwaseun Aderogba of Jebba Diocese and his wife.

Spokesperson for the Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, who disclosed this to The Guardian yesterday, said they are aware of the unfortunate incident, though it didn’t happen in their area of jurisdiction.

He said: “Nevertheless, the kidnapped couple is domiciled in Kwara State. We are going to render to them all necessary tactical support and very soon, we shall get hold of the evil ones and consequently secure the release of the kidnapped ones.”