A Reverend Father, Leo Michael, of Saint Michael Catholic Church, Obajana, has been abducted by kidnappers.
This came as a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Kogi State College of Education, Technical, Kabba, Mr. Aronimu Babatunde, was also kidnapped along Okene-Kabba Road.
Vanguard reports that the priest was said to have been abducted on Tuesday evening at Irepeni village in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Bishop Peter Adinoyi, Diocesan Chancellor of Lokoja Diocese, who confirmed the abduction of the priest, said the abductors came from the bush near the Irepeni village (very close to Army roadblock) and dragged Rev Leo and one other person believed to be a pastor with RCCG, out of his car, escaped into the bush, leaving two vehicles behind.
The Bishop stated that the abductors have established contact with some members of the church, demanding N50 million and N8 million for the priest and the yet to be identified Redeemed pastor, respectively. He said the abductors threatened them to expect the worst if their demand is not met before the close of business today on Thursday.
The cleric, who noted that the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Army have swung into action to track down the perpetrators, lamented that abduction is mostly targeted at poor people. The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Willam Aya, confirmed the abduction of the priest, but said he is not aware of the abduction of the Redeemed pastor and lecturer, noting that investigations have commenced, as efforts are being made to free him from his abductors.