Pastors’ Kidnappers Demand N10m Ransom

Kidnappers of Mr. Akpan Udoneke, the Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Ikot-Akoa Idem in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, who have contacted the family asked for a ransom of N10m for his release.

Recall Naija News reported that one pastor Mr. Akpan Udoneke, the Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Ikot-Akoa Idem in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was kidnapped while prepare to go for prayer meeting in the church.

The Kidnappers contacted the family of their victim and church authorities yesterday through telephone calls.

According to a Family source who pleaded anonymity: “The kidnappers of Pastor Akpan Udoneke called in the early hours of Tuesday to demand N10m ransom for his release,” he said.

Udoneke was kidnapped around 5am on Monday while preparing for women’s fellowship prayer meeting in the church.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Macdona Ogeche,  said that they are not aware about the ransom declared by the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, has banned all forms of cult activities in the state.

Ogunjemilusi said this while speaking with village chairman yesterday, noting that the hoodlums have been given a 21-day ultimatum to surrender all the firearms in their possession or face the full wrath of the law.

“I spoke with the youths on the need to think of the prosperous future, to think of how they can use their youthful energy for productive ventures, not for crime.

“Without peace and security, we cannot get anything done. Where there is crime or fear of crime, nothing moves, businesses are gone. People are afraid to come and invest in your community.

“I find out that in Akwa Ibom State, we are mostly Christians. At least, 90 per cent are Christians, but we also know that it is not a secret that over 60 or 70 per cent are involved in cultism.”