Ondo Kidnapping: N15 Million Ransom Demanded for 3 Deeper Life Bible Church Members Abducted in Akure North
Tragedy struck the peaceful community of Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday evening, May 26, 2025, when three members of the Deeper Life Bible Church were abducted by unknown gunmen. The victims were on their way home after attending a Bible Study session at Kasemola area when the unfortunate incident occurred. This shocking event has left not only their families in distress but also the entire church and local community shaken.
As at the time of filing this report, the abductors have demanded a N15 million ransom—N5 million per victim—for the safe release of the kidnapped individuals. This latest abduction has once again highlighted the growing state of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the South-West, and has ignited conversations about the urgent need for improved community safety and more robust law enforcement strategies.
How the Abduction Happened
According to multiple sources close to the victims, the three church members were abducted on their way back from an evening Bible Study service held at a Deeper Life Bible Church in the Kasemola area of Ogbese community. The criminals reportedly laid an ambush along the route often used by churchgoers, and the victims were taken into the forest nearby.
A family member of one of the abducted victims confirmed to newsmen that communication had already been established between the kidnappers, the affected families, and the leadership of the Deeper Life Bible Church.
“Yes, they have contacted us and have demanded for a ransom of N5 million per victim. We are raising money from well-wishers and church members to be able to pay the ransom,” the source stated.
The identities of the abducted victims have not been publicly disclosed for security reasons, but family members say they are all active and long-serving members of the Deeper Life Bible Church.
Community and Church Response to the Kidnapping
In response to the heartbreaking development, the Deeper Life Bible Church leadership has mobilized its prayer team and intercessors to begin spiritual warfare, praying earnestly for the safe return of their members.
A source within the church also confirmed that the incident was immediately reported to relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit in the South-West established to tackle such criminal activities.
“We have reported the incident to the police and Amotekun Corps in the state,” the church source said.
Police and Security Agencies on the Case
The Ondo State Police Command has acknowledged the abduction. Spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed that the police have swung into action in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“I can confirm to you that there is an issue of kidnapping, but I cannot confirm the number of the victims for now,” Olayinka stated.
He further explained that police detectives have already launched a search operation in the surrounding forests believed to be the hideout of the kidnappers. According to him, the goal is to ensure that the victims are rescued without harm and that the kidnappers are brought to justice.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring the situation under control,” he added.
In addition to the police efforts, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, has also deployed officers to assist in the manhunt. The combined efforts of both federal and regional security outfits give some hope to the affected families and community.
The Insecurity Crisis in Nigeria: A Growing Concern
This kidnapping is not an isolated event. The issue of kidnappings for ransom has become a national emergency in Nigeria. From the North to the South, criminal gangs, often referred to as bandits, have increasingly targeted schools, places of worship, highways, and even residential homes.
The South-West, traditionally considered safer than the Northern regions, is now experiencing a rise in these disturbing incidents. Experts have pointed to several contributing factors including the porous borders, inadequate policing, lack of intelligence gathering, and rising youth unemployment, which fuels criminal behavior.
Faith-based communities are now more frequently being targeted, especially during gatherings or after religious activities when members are perceived to be less vigilant. The abduction of churchgoers in Ogbese underscores the urgent need for all religious institutions to reevaluate their security protocols.
Economic and Psychological Impact of the Kidnapping
The demand of N15 million as ransom is a heavy financial burden on the families and the church. In many such cases, families are forced to sell their belongings, take loans, or crowdsource funds to meet the ransom demands.
As the family source noted:
“We are raising money from well-wishers and church members to be able to pay the ransom.”
Beyond the financial implications, the psychological trauma on the victims and their loved ones is immense. The uncertainty, fear, and helplessness experienced during such crises can have long-term effects on mental health, community trust, and social cohesion.
Calls for Government Action and Policy Reform
This case has reignited calls for the Federal Government and state authorities to take more aggressive actions against kidnapping. Activists and community leaders are urging lawmakers to pass stricter laws and for security agencies to be better equipped and trained to combat such threats effectively.
Citizens are also demanding the use of modern surveillance technology, including drones and tracking devices, to monitor forests and other known hideouts of criminal elements.
What Can the Community Do?
While security is primarily the responsibility of the government, communities also have a role to play in curbing these incidents. Local vigilance groups, neighborhood watch systems, and collaboration with regional security outfits like Amotekun can go a long way in early detection of threats.
Churches and religious institutions are also encouraged to engage security consultants, establish safer transportation protocols for members, especially during late evening services, and maintain a database of emergency contacts.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
The abduction of three Deeper Life Bible Church members in Akure North is a tragic reminder of the fragile state of security in parts of Nigeria. As families pray and raise funds for their loved ones, and as police comb the forests in search of the victims, this incident should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders—government, religious institutions, civil society, and citizens—to come together and demand safer communities.
The church remains hopeful, as prayers intensify and negotiations continue, that the abducted members will return home safely. But beyond this immediate crisis, Nigeria must confront its broader insecurity challenges with urgency, strategy, and unity.
