A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Wale Oriade, has recounted his ordeal following his release last Saturday after 39 days in captivity.
Oriade was abducted on December 3, 2025, around 7:06 p.m. at his office in PJ Square Shopping Complex, Elewure, along Iyana Ajanla, Akala Expressway, Ibadan. Eyewitnesses said four gunmen in a blue Nissan Micra forcibly seized him, covering his face and placing headphones on him as they drove around the city before taking him to an undisclosed location.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, Oriade said his abductors, who spoke fluent English, never disclosed their identities or tribal affiliations. He explained that they interrogated him about his work, family, and past engagements, later demanding ransom from his family.
“The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within my community,” Oriade said. “On January 10, 2026, I was released in a similar manner to my abduction—blindfolded, driven around the city, and dropped off somewhere in Ibadan.”
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He expressed gratitude to political leaders, security agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians who supported him and his family during the ordeal, including former Senate Leader and 2023 APC governorship candidate Teslim Folarin, Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, Senators Sharafadeen Ali and Yunus Akintunde, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Department of State Services.
Oriade thanked his immediate family, religious leaders, community associations, and Nigerians at home and abroad for their prayers and support. He also appealed for forgiveness from anyone he may have wronged and called on the government to create more job opportunities for youths to foster productivity and unity.
He described his abduction as “the highest punishment anyone can go through” and urged citizens to remain resilient in the face of adversity.