Kidnappers of Winners pastor demand N60m

Pastor Adekunle

There are indications that the kidnappers of the Senior Resident Pastor of the Winners Chapel located along IBB Way in Calabar, Mr. Seyi Adekunle, have demanded a ransom of N60m for his release.

A source from the church told Southern City News on Tuesday that the kidnappers had opened communication with the church.

The source said though he was not speaking on behalf of the church, he learnt that the kidnappers had established contact with the church and made demand for cash.

“I am not the church mouthpiece and therefore cannot speak on behalf of the church. However, I can authoritatively tell you that the kidnappers have made a demand of N60m before releasing the pastor,” the source said.

When our correspondent visited the church, a worker who refused to identify himself, simply turned down all enquiries, saying, “We have been instructed from above not to speak with the press. I do not have anything to tell you.”

Adekunle was on Saturday kidnapped by unidentified gunmen who stormed the church premises at about 8pm during prayers.

Embittered by the kidnap, the Cross River State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria warned those who abducted Adekunle to return him immediately as they would definitely incur the wrath of God.

The warning came through a statement issued on Monday by the state Chairman of PFN, Pastor Lawrence Ekwok, and the Secretary, Apostle Frank Umo.

The body assured the kidnappers that they were bound to incur God’s wrath because they kidnapped the pastor while he (pastor) was praying.

Insisting that Pastor Adekunle be released immediately and unconditionally, the PFN said, “As the wrath of God is upon you for that act, this is more so as the pastor was kidnapped at the time he and others were praying and seeking the face of God for the good of the people of the state and country at large.

“The action of the kidnappers is not only repulsive but devilish. We are warning that any attempt by any group of people to make blood money by kidnapping the servants of God is highly condemnable and a grievous sin which attracts the wrath of God.”

The state PFN also called on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to work round the clock to ensure the immediate release of the pastor.