Gunmen invade church in Ogun, kidnap two, demand N50m ransom

Suspected gunmen have invaded Celestial Church of Christ, Oshofa Parish at Ewekoro local government area of Ogun state and abducted two worshippers.

According to reports, the incident happened a few minutes after midnight on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, during a night vigil programme.

Confirming the incident, Oluwatomisin Ehuwaojomo, the Shepherd of the church, said the two worshippers; Oluwaseun Ajose and Dagunro Ayobami were dragged away from the church.

He added that he was called later and a ransom of N50 million was demanded.

“When my Assistant Shepherd called me almost two hours after they left, the kidnappers refused to speak with me twice. But on his third attempt, they spoke with me and demanded N50 million ransom.

“I told them that, I am a servant of God, nobody pays me a salary. I have spoken with the Ogun State Commissioner of Police. The command is on the matter.”

When contacted, Ogun PPRO Abimbola Oyeyemi, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident.

The incident is coming days after suspected gunmen invaded St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, and opened fire on worshipers.

No fewer than 38 people were killed in the incident while others who are severely injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital

However in a recent development, the National security Council has claimed that the Islamic State, West African Province (ISWAP) was responsible for the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Thursday, June 9, 2022 while briefing State House Correspondents after the National Security Council meeting in Abuja.

According to him, security agencies, particularly the police, have been directed to apprehend the perpetrators. 

The former governor also stated that the attack has no ethnic-religious connection, affirming that the group’s activity has nothing to do with religion.