Kidnappers of Methodist priest yet to make contact – Bishop

The Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Agodi, Ibadan, Rt. Rev. Amos Ajiboye, said gunmen who kidnapped one of the church priests, Dr. Biodun Ogunbekun, had yet to make contact with the church and his family.



Ogunbekun, attached to the Methodist Church Nigeria, Akobo-Ojurin, Ibadan, was kidnapped by five gunmen who traced him to his farm at Kufi area, along Olounda-Aba road, Ibadan on Thursday.

A statement issued by the church on Friday said Ogunbekun was kidnapped around 7pm as he was about leaving the farm.

The church stated that a gunman had forced his way in when the gate was opened for the priest to drive out.

Four other gunmen also appeared before he was whisked away into the surrounding bush.

On Saturday, Bishop Ajiboye said there had not been any contact with the kidnappers.

“Our priest is still in the custody of the kidnappers. They still have him. They have not made contact with the church or his family. We are devastated by what happened to Ogunbekun and we reiterate our call to all the security forces and Governor Abiola Ajimobi to help us to locate him and return him safely to his family,” Ajiboye said.