Three members of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, on the evening of Monday, May 26, 2025. The victims were returning from a Bible study session at the Kasemola area within the Ogbese axis when they were ambushed and taken into the surrounding forest.
The kidnappers have contacted the victims’ families and church leadership, demanding a ransom of ₦5 million for each individual, totaling ₦15 million. In response, the Deeper Life congregation has organized prayer sessions, seeking divine intervention for the safe release of their members.
Security agencies, including the Ondo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps, have launched a search operation in the forests around Ogbese to locate and rescue the abducted individuals. Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed the incident and stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the culprits and ensure the victims’ safe return.
This incident has heightened concerns about the safety of religious worshippers and the general security situation in Ondo State. Local residents and religious organizations are calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising cases of kidnapping and ensure the safety of citizens.
As of May 28, 2025, there are no recent reports of Deeper Life Bible Church members being kidnapped in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. However, there have been past incidents involving the abduction of church members in the region.
Past Incident: Kidnapping of Deeper Life Pastor in 2021
In May 2021, Pastor Otamayomi Ogedengbe of the Deeper Life Bible Church was abducted by gunmen during a Bible study session at the church’s premises in Irese, Akure South Local Government Area. The assailants entered the church in a Toyota Corolla car and took the pastor to an unknown destination. The kidnappers later demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release. After several days in captivity, Pastor Ogedengbe was released, though it was not confirmed whether the ransom was paid.
Recent Incident: Abduction of Church Members in 2023
In October 2023, 25 choir members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Igan, Akure, were abducted by gunmen along the Ifon-Benin road in Ose Local Government Area while traveling to a funeral ceremony. Eight of the victims managed to escape, while the remaining 17 were released after the payment of a ₦50 million ransom. The victims were reportedly beaten by their captors and required medical attention upon their release.
These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges in Ondo State, particularly concerning the safety of religious groups and travelers. Residents and religious organizations have called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising cases of kidnapping and ensure the safety of citizens
