Kidnappers Demand Millions: Catholic Archbishop Reveals Ransom Paid for Niece’s Release

Catholic Archbishop: “We Paid Millions to Free My Kidnapped Niece”
The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Reverend Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, has revealed that his family paid millions of naira to secure the release of his kidnapped niece in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State.

Speaking during a press conference at the Jubilee Conference Centre, Oke Ado, Ibadan, the Archbishop expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity crisis in the region.

“My niece was abducted while traveling from Ibadan. She spent five days in captivity before we managed to secure her release—after paying millions of naira,” he said.

Insecurity Worsens in Oke-Ogun

Archbishop Abegunrin also narrated another tragic incident from his hometown, Iwere-Ile (Iwajowa LGA, Oyo State), where a man was kidnapped and killed.

In a cruel twist, his brother, who went to retrieve the body, was also murdered.

“People ran to call soldiers and local security forces for help. When they arrived, the attackers killed them too—including soldiers, police officers, and local security personnel,” he lamented.

The Archbishop questioned why the government has not taken urgent action to curb these relentless attacks.

“Can’t the government do something about these killings? A small village like Iwere-Ile should not be left defenseless,” he stressed.

Fear Spreads as Parents Consider Pulling Kids from School

The rising cases of abductions and killings have left many residents living in fear.

Some parents are now considering withdrawing their children from school due to safety concerns.

The Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province (which includes Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Osogbo Dioceses) have called on the government to:

✅ Increase security presence in high-risk areas

✅ Improve intelligence gathering to track criminal activities

✅ Equip security forces with better resources

✅ Ensure swift prosecution of kidnappers and bandits

“Our governors in the South-West must work together to secure the region. We cannot allow bandits to keep terrorizing our communities,” the Archbishop urged.

What’s Next for Oke-Ogun?

With kidnapping cases on the rise, residents and religious leaders are calling for urgent government intervention.

Will authorities take decisive action before more innocent lives are lost?

What Do You Think?

How can the government better protect communities from kidnappers? Share your thoughts in the comments!