Oluwatosin Alayo, the Shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ, Nazareth Parish 1, in Lagos State’s Ikorodu region, has reportedly been kidnapped by gunmen.
According to reports, the gunmen kidnapped the cleric when they stormed the residence of the Shepherd situated in the Adamo area of the state.
According to those familiar with the situation, the incident occurred less than 24 hours after the church’s annual adult harvest.
A member of the church spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident and told the journalist, “We called to congratulate him (the cleric) on the success of the church harvest on Monday evening but could not reach him on the phone.
“It was the following morning that another member of the church informed us that his home was attacked on Monday evening by some gunmen who took him away to an unknown destination. We are in serious panic, and we have also intensified prayers for his safety and freedom.”
Another church member, simply named Taiwo, told our correspondent that the abductors had contacted the victim’s relatives and demanded a ransom of N30 million.
“Details of the communication are still unclear, but we got to know that 24 hours after the incident, the kidnappers confirmed the Shepherd’s presence in their captivity and also demanded a ransom of N30m. That is all we know for now,” he added.
The church has alerted members on its various social media platforms while also calling for prayers.
“A CCC Shepherd has been kidnapped, and now they’re demanding N30m as ransom. Your prayer is highly needed,” one of the posts read.
“Kidnapping notice: Snr. Evang. Adeyemi Oluwatosin Alayo, shepherd in charge of CCC Nazareth Parish, Adamo Agunfoye, was kidnapped on Monday, a day after his 21st adult harvest. Kidnappers are demanding N30m. Please, let’s remember him and his parish in prayers,” another post read.
When contacted, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the state police public relations officer, confirmed the incident. He, however, denied knowledge of the ransom demanded.
“I can confirm that he was kidnapped. I cannot confirm the ransom demand,” Hundeyin said.
