The choristers were kidnapped on their way to the funeral ceremony of a parent of their colleague
By Kehinde Okeowo
Eleven of the choristers of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igan, Akure, Ondo State state, who were abducted last week have finally regained their freedom.
Several media outlets had earlier reported that no fewer than 25 choir members of the church were kidnapped along Ifon-Benin road last Friday, However, our reporter reliably gathered that only 19 of the church members were abducted.
The eighteen choristers and their driver were attacked by gunmen and forcefully taken into the bush while on their way to the funeral ceremony of a parent of their colleague in Ifon, a town in Ose Local Government Area of the state.
But luckily, a few hours after the incident, eight choristers out of 19 members of the church that were kidnapped were rescued from their captors.
Confirming their freedom, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the kidnap victims were rescued by Police operatives.
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Speaking on the development, she said: “8 victims rescued, effort is on to rescue others unhurt”
“The rescued victims said they are members of CAC Oke Igann, Akure. They were on their way to a burial wake, on getting to Ajagbale via Elegbeka on Ifon/Owo expressway, they were accosted by 5 unknown gunmen who shot sporadically and forcefully took them into the bush.” the PPRO added.
However, after a week in captivity, the remaining members of the CAC choir were released by their abductors late Thursday night after ransom was paid
According to OSRC TV, the negotiating team of the church returned with 11 victims at 11:47pm to the premises of the church in Akure.
It was gathered that the 11 victims who returned with the negotiators were the ones left with the kidnappers.