Suspected kidnappers stormed the office of a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Owoloemi Emorioloye in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State and abducted him.
Emorioloye, aka Emotel, who claims to be the DG of Asiwaju Media Team, was said to have been abducted in his office along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government, around 9am last Thursday.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Jimoh Abayomi, who confirmed the abduction, said details of the incident remain sketchy, but a full investigation has been launched to secure his release.
Abayomi urged the people of the state to remain calm, as the Command has put every measure in place to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, described the abduction as shocking and called for the immediate release of the APC chieftain.
Oripenaye, in a statement confirming the abduction, said, “The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, 15th January, along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, represents a flagrant violation of public safety and an assault on the peace-loving people of Ilaje.
“According to eyewitness accounts, Prince Emorioloye was forcefully taken from his office by armed individuals who arrived in two Hilux vehicles. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and all efforts to reach him have proven futile. This act of criminality, carried out in broad daylight in a bustling commercial area, is utterly condemnable and unacceptable.
“On behalf of the Ilaje Local Government, I strongly denounce this reprehensible act and extend our heartfelt solidarity to the family, friends, and associates of Prince Emorioloye Owolemi 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 safety and security of every resident in Ilaje Local Government remain our topmost priority. 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.”
Consequently, the council boss called on all security agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to secure the safe and immediate release of Prince Owolemi, 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.
Oripenaye 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.
He said the Local Government would not tolerate any form of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence within its territory.
His words “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.
“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.”
