CAN demands prompt action after denouncing the kidnapping of CAC choristers

The Ondo State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, demanded on Tuesday that the state government and security forces take immediate measures to ensure the safe release of the choir members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Igan, Akure, the state capital.

Rev. Father Anselm Ologunwa, the chairman of CAN in Ondo State, voiced worry over the ongoing kidnapping instances in the Ifon axis of the state’s Ose Local Government Area and emphasized the need for an immediate response to stop such criminal activity.

Ologunwa characterized the kidnapping of the 25 choristers as a crime against human decency.

Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, the Reverend Father, told the Regional Superintendent of CAC that all Christians in the state are united in their prayers and efforts to achieve the release of the kidnapped choristers.

The CAN Chairman further said that God’s wrath would be directed to those who committed the terrible deed.

The church, security services, and the relatives of the victims were also praised by Ologunwa for their tenacity and efforts in handling the incident’s fallout.

He acknowledged the coordinated efforts being undertaken to assure the abducted choristers’ safe return.

Pastor Akanmu, the CAC Regional Superintendent, mentioned in his remarks that the group of choristers was traveling to Ifon to take part in the father of the church organist’s funeral wake, which was held last Friday.

He explained that they were stopped by a five-person kidnapping gang at a dangerous portion of the road.

The CAC pastor continued, “The kidnappers forced the choristers into the nearby bush after firing shots at the vehicle in which they were traveling.”

Eight of the choristers were able to escape the kidnappers, he said, by the grace of God.

The alleged kidnappers are still holding the remaining victims hostage, though.

Pastor Akanmu further disclosed that the kidnappers demanded a N50 million ransom from the church as well as the families of the kidnapped choir members.