The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday rescued a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola, from suspected kidnappers.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the development about 9:25 pm, said the former primate was rescued alongside his daughter and driver.
Adejobi disclosed that the victims were freed during a gun battle with the armed men who kidnapped them about 3pm at Onijanganjangan area, kilometre 10, along the Abeokuta-Lagos expressway.
According to him, the gunmen were heading towards the border area when they opened fire on a police patrol around Iboro, Yewa North local government area of the state.
He explained that the policemen swiftly responded to the gunfire and started pursuing the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Adejobi said: “We have rescued the primate, his daughter and driver. But the operation is still ongoing. We have more than 10 teams in the area now trying to find the suspects who escaped with the victims’ vehicle.
“We got information that the suspects went through Ilaro and were heading towards the border area. But when they got to Iboro area, they opened fire at policemen on patrol and the policemen responded. The police pursued them until the victims were rescued.”
The police spokesman, who said no arrest had been made yet, assured that the command would not leave any stone unturned in apprehending the suspects.
Akinola, a former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), was kidnapped in front of the main entrance of the Peter Akinola Foundation Centre for Youth Industrial Training at kilometre10, along the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.
