Members of CAC Oke Igan in Akure, Ondo State Capital have begun intense prayers following the kidnap of some choristers of the Church by suspected gunmen.
A visit to the church revealed that the congregation gathered to seek the face of God for the safe release of the kidnapped members.
From the church’s premises, the voices of the congregation were audible for anyone in the area to hear.
The Regional Superintendent of CAC, Regional Headquarters, Ondo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, said, “the choir of our church embarked on a journey to Ifon for a Christian wake in honour of our organist who was to bury his late father.
“They took off from Akure on Friday and were supposed to be back today after the burial.
“It was Around 4PM on Friday that someone called me that a bus belonging to the church was seen abandoned by the roadside around Elegbeka, and nobody was inside at the time
“The Caller said he suspects the passengers have been kidnapped and so we started contacting our members and security agencies.
“One of those in captivity called to inform me that their abductors are demanding the sum of 50 million naira as ransom.
“One of the abductors also took the phone from him and said we must provide the 50 million naira immediately if we indeed love our members.
“9 of the victims are currently with the abductors while 8 have regained their freedom but we cannot ascertain the whereabouts of 3 other members.”
Pastor Akanmu said the church has strong faith in God, hence the reason for the commencement of prayers since Friday.
“I believe God will help the security agencies to rescue the 9 individuals still in captivity and apprehend the perpetrators of the criminal act”, Akanmu added.