Gunmen abduct Ondo APC chieftain

Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have invaded the Igbokoda community in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, abducting a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi.

Owoloemi, who is the Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team, was kidnapped around 9 a.m. on Thursday along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, while he was in his office.

According to a source, Owoloemi was reportedly forcefully taken from his office by armed individuals who arrived in two Hilux vehicles, and his whereabouts have remained unknown since Thursday morning.

The source explained that all efforts to reach the APC chieftain from the area have been unsuccessful, adding that the kidnappers have failed to establish negotiations with the family of the victim.

Speaking on the development, the chairman of the local government, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, described the abduction of Owoloemi as an act of criminality, carried out in broad daylight in a bustling commercial area, which is utterly condemnable and unacceptable.”

Oripenaye said the council received the report “with profound shock and grave concern” over the brazen abduction of Owoloemi.

According to him, the incident “represents a flagrant violation of public safety and an assault on the peace-loving people of Ilaje.”

On behalf of the Ilaje Local Government, he said, “I strongly denounce this reprehensible act and extend our heartfelt solidarity to the family, friends, and associates of Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi during this distressing period. We also urge the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tension or hinder investigative efforts.”

The council chairman stressed that “the safety and security of every resident in Ilaje Local Government remains our topmost priority.”

He disclosed, “We have immediately initiated contact with all relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and local security networks, to ensure a swift, coordinated, and decisive response.”

Calling for urgent action, Oripenaye said, “We hereby call on all security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to secure the safe and immediate release of Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, launch a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors, and intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering across Ilaje to prevent further criminal activities.”

He further appealed, “to all community leaders, youth groups, traditional rulers, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid in this operation.”

“Let it be clear that the Ilaje Local Government will not tolerate any form of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence within our territory. Our administration remains committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly with security institutions to foster a safe environment for social, economic, and political activities,” Oripenaye said.

He, however, added, “We appeal for the support and vigilance of the public as we work to ensure Prince Emorioloye’s safe return and to bring the culprits to justice.”

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command said it has commenced an investigation into the incident.

While confirming the abduction, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Jimoh Abayomi, said, “Information at my disposal remains sketchy, but full-scale investigations have commenced. However, we urge the good people of Ondo State to remain calm. The Command has put every measure in place to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.”