A well-known Muslim leader in Ondo, Ibrahim Bodunde Oyinlade, has been kidnapped by a group of armed individuals, News About Nigeria reports.
The incident took place on Saturday evening when Mr. Oyinlade, who also serves as the Chief Imam of Uso Community, was forcibly taken into the nearby forest by approximately four gunmen.
Uso is situated in the outskirts of Akure and is in close proximity to Owo, the hometown of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
According to an anonymous source, the abduction occurred while the Islamic cleric was working on his farm at Asolo camp.
The armed men approached him, brandishing their weapons and seized him before fleeing the scene.
The source could not confirm whether the kidnappers have made any contact with the family for ransom negotiations.
Meanwhile, local hunters have taken it upon themselves to search the surrounding bushes in an attempt to locate and rescue the cleric.
Additionally, other religious leaders from the mosque have embarked on spiritual endeavors, praying for the safe release of their colleague.
The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, verified the incident, stating that the 67-year-old Imam’s abduction had been reported to the authorities.
The report was filed at the Uso Divisional Police headquarters on the evening of Saturday.
Mrs. Odunlami-Omisanya explained that the Chief Imam had gone to his farm earlier in the day and failed to return.
Concerned individuals eventually located his phone and vehicle at the farm but could not find any trace of him.
As a result, the Divisional Police Officer and his team, accompanied by local vigilantes, are currently combing the bush in an attempt to determine the whereabouts of the victim.
