About 48 hours after their abduction, Bishop of Jebba Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt Reverend Adeyinka Aderogba, his wife, Oreofe, and driver have been released by their abductors.
Oyo Police spokesperson Adewale Osifeso confirmed the development on Tuesday in a statement.
Osifeso however did not say if any ransom was paid before the release was facilitated.
He attributed the release to the massive deployment of Police operatives whom he said dominated the entire area and pressured the abductors to free the victims.
He added that the victims were released unhurt around 6:20pm on Tuesday.
The statement reads in parts: “The abducted Bishop Rt. Rev Aderogba Adeyinka of Jebba Anglican Diocese regained his freedom unhurt alongside his wife and driver around 1820HRS today, Tuesday 14/06/2022.
“The Clergyman in the company of his wiife and driver were abducted on Sunday 12/06/2022 at about 2100HRS after the victim’s vehicle developed mechanical fault while travelling from Yewa, Ogun State to Jebba, Kwara State enroute an isolated area along New Oyo/Ogbomoso Expressway.
“The massive deployment of Police personnel for the operation to rescue the victims and the domination of the entire area by the Police Tactical teams pressurized the abductors in freeing the victims.
“Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice.”
A source close to the family of abducted cleric also confirmed the release, adding the victims were immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
The source said the news was broken by Bishop of Omu Aran Diocese, Rt. Rev. Festus Sobanke and confirmed by the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Venerable Paul Dajur.
Bishop Aderogba, his wife and driver were kidnapped on Oyo-Ogbomoso road on Sunday evening on his way to Jebba after an episcopal assignment in Yewa Diocese.
The kidnappers demanded N50 million ransom for their release.
It could however not be confirmed if any ransom was paid by the church as of the time of filling this report.
The Nation
