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CAN Condemns Abduction Of 25 Ondo CAC Members
The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has described the abduction of 25 choir members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Igan in Akure, Ondo State, as an act of wickedness.
It added that the perpetrators will not escape God’s wrath.
Chairman of the state chapter of CAN, Revd Fr Anselm Ologunwa, said this during a sympathy visit to the Regional Superintendent, Christ Apostolic Church, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, in Akure.
Recall that the victims were kidnapped between Ipele junction and Ifon, in Ose council area of the state, last Friday.
Eight of them escaped from their captors, a day after their abduction.
The kidnappers demanded for N50million as ransom before the remaining victims would be released.
Ologunwa condemned the incessant and recent kidnapping of innocent people along the notorious lpele/ lfon highway, and called on the state government and security agencies to as a matter of urgency secure the release of the victims.
The cleric said the kidnapping and abduction of the “choristers from the church was an act of wickedness and the perpetrators will surely receive the wrath of God”.
He expressed disappointment about the alarming rate of insecurity and other social vices across Nigeria just as he urged the Christian community not to relent in their prayers for the nation and the leaders.
Ologunwa appealed to the state government to ensure that all the failed portions along the road are urgently repaired to forestall future occurrence
The chairman who commended the state government’s efforts at curtailing kidnapping and criminality, however, called for intensified efforts by the government and security agencies.
The cleric also applauded the various efforts put in place since the ugly incident by the church, the security agencies and the families of the victims, assuring them of the total support of all christians in the state towards their release.
Responding, the church’s Regional Superintendent, in Akure, Pastor Akanmu, explained that the choristers were on their way to Ifon to celebrate with the church organist at the burial wake keep of his father last Friday before they were abducted.
According to Akanmu, the kidnappers, a five man gang appeared to them at one of the failed portions of the road and ordered them into the bush after firing at their vehicle.
He said through God’s intervention, eight of them regained their freedom while the remaining ones are still with the abductors.
Akanmu said the kidnappers were now demanding for N50million ransom from both the church and family members.
The cleric pointed out that the church has strong faith in God, hence the reason for the commencement of prayers since Friday.
“I believe God will help the security agencies to rescue the nine individuals still in captivity and apprehend the perpetrators of the criminal act”, he said..
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene