Even in this yuletide season, the business of kidnapping continues to thrive, as gunmen have abducted Peter Akinola, the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, in Abeokuta.

The Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident but said it was too early to conclude that it was a kidnap.

Adejobi, a deputy superintendent of Police, DSP, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered a manhunt for the suspects.

“We are aware of the incident, but it is too early to jump to conclusion that he was kidnapped. We were told that some armed men waylaid him and went away with his vehicle, himself and the driver; but we have seen cases where armed men will steal a vehicle and go away with its owner or occupant for their own safety, therefore, it’s too early to draw the line that it is kidnapping,” he said.

He added: “We have alerted our men and we have details of the vehicle and by God’s grace, it will not be a sad situation. The primate will be safe. The CP and the Area Commander are out to make sure he is safe.”

The police spokesman urged the public to assist the command by volunteering information on criminal activities in the state.