In a troubling development, Oluwatosin Alayo, the Shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ, Nazareth Parish 1, has been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The incident took place on Monday evening at the cleric’s residence in the Adamo area, occurring just 24 hours after the church’s annual adult harvest celebration.
According to sources close to the situation, church members attempted to reach Alayo to congratulate him on the successful event but were unable to get through. “It was the next morning that we learned his home had been attacked and that he had been taken away. We are in serious panic and have intensified our prayers for his safety and freedom,” shared one member, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident.
Another church member, who identified himself as Taiwo, revealed that the abductors had contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N30 million. “We found out that 24 hours after the incident, the kidnappers confirmed the Shepherd’s captivity and set a ransom of N30 million. That’s all we know for now,” he stated.
In response to the alarming situation, the church has mobilized support through its social media channels, calling for prayers from its congregation and the wider community. One post read, “A CCC Shepherd has been kidnapped and now they’re demanding N30 million as ransom. Your prayers are highly needed.” Another message emphasized the urgency of the situation: “Kidnapping notice: Snr. Evang. Adeyemi Oluwatosin Alayo, Shepherd in charge of CCC Nazareth Parish, Adamo Agunfoye, was kidnapped on Monday, a day after his 21st Adult harvest. Please, let’s remember him and his parish in prayers.”
When reached for comment, Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the kidnapping but stated he had no information regarding the ransom demand. “I can confirm that he was kidnapped. However, I cannot confirm the ransom demand,” he said.
As the church community rallies in prayer and support, fears grow regarding the increasing trend of kidnappings in the region, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the abducted cleric and his congregation.
