An official of the Asiwaju Media Team, a support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in Ondo State, has been abducted by unknown gunmen, sparking widespread concern and condemnation.
The victim, identified as Emorioloye Owoloemi, was reportedly kidnapped on Thursday at about 9:00 a.m. from his office around the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the incident to journalists in Akure on Sunday, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr. Maurice Oripenaye, described the abduction as “pure criminality” and unacceptable, noting that it occurred in broad daylight within a busy commercial area.
According to Oripenaye, the kidnappers arrived in two Toyota Hilux Sports Utility Vehicles and forcefully took Owoloemi away at gunpoint. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown.
“This act is a clear violation of public safety and an assault on the peace-loving people of Ilaje,” Oripenaye said, adding that eyewitnesses confirmed the APC media official was abducted at gunpoint. He expressed solidarity with the victim’s family, friends, and associates, describing the situation as a deeply distressing period for the community.
The council chairman disclosed that all relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and other security networks, have been alerted and are coordinating efforts to ensure the victim’s safe rescue.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information that could escalate tension or hinder ongoing investigations.
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Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction. The police spokesperson, CSP Jimoh Abayomi, said investigations had commenced, although details surrounding the incident were still sketchy.
Abayomi assured residents that adequate security measures were in place to protect lives and property across the state, urging the public to cooperate with security agencies as efforts intensify to secure Owoloemi’s release.
The incident has renewed concerns over public safety and the growing menace of abductions in parts of the country, particularly attacks targeting political actors and their associates.