Some residents of Ipapo town in Oyo State have frowned at a press statement issued by the Oyo State government over the release of a kidnapped pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God , Mr Olugbenga Olawore..
The residents described such statement as false and misleading as the victim was not released as claimed by the government .
They said he was killed along six others that were kidnapped at Maya axis on Eruwa- Lanlate road in Oyo State.
Some of the residents interviewed by Radio Nigeria said losing such a vibrant person at his prime was enough to bring tears down their faces but fabricating an unnecessary hope of his release by the government had done more harm than good.
Radio Nigeria gathered that Pastor Olawore had gone to his hometown, Ipapo to put finishing touches to the burial arrangement of his mother, Mrs Deborah Olawore and was returning to his place of residence when he was kidnapped on Thursday April 18, 2024 at about 5PM
The pastor had boarded a commercial bus with other thirteen passengers when they were kidnapped.
One of the passengers, a female was said to have been shot and died immediately while others were led to the bush by the kidnappers.
A source who did not want his name mentioned said the kidnappers contacted the family through his phone and demanded a ransom of 10 million naira.
He said the family started running helter skelter to get the ransom but could not reach to the kidnappers the following day as the pastor’s phone was off and this made them to get more worried
He said their worry was calmed when they saw the release issued by the Oyo State government and signed by the commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade on April 21 saying the pastor had regained his freedom.
The commissioner said in the statement: “Since the incident was reported, government has been in close contact with the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bola Hamzat, his team and our security teams and all parties have done the needful as usual to ensure the safety of lives and properties of our citizens.”.
The release according to them raised the hope of the family, friends and the church of God which made them to be looking forward to the return of their kidnapped pastor .
Unfortunately the kidnapped pastor , Olugbemiga Olawore, never returned alive as it was gathered that he was allegedly killed with some other victims in the kidnappers ‘den.
The family eventually organised a burial for their son, the burial took place on Tuesday April 30, 2024 at a cemetery in Mowo Badagry, Lagos State after a church service was held at the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, City Of His Glory, Badagry Expressway.
Radio Nigeria also gathered that the burial ceremony of the mother of the late pastor earlier slated scheduled is to be held today, May 3rd In Ipapo Area of Oyo State.
Pastor Oluwagbemiga Olawore who was born in 1971, studied at The Polytechnic Ibadan , Lagos State University and University Of Lagos, where he bagged different degrees.
