Emorioloye Owoloemi, an official of the Asiwaju Media Team, an All Progressives Congress (APC) group in support of the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in Ondo State, has been kidnapped.
The Chairperson of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Maurice Oripenaye, made this known to journalists in Akure on Sunday.
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He said Mr Owoloemi was allegedly abducted on Thursday, around 9:00 a.m., from his office along Okonga/Olodo junction, Igbokoda, by some armed persons who came in two Toyota Hilux Sports Utility Vehicles(SUV).
The LG boss said the whereabouts of the abductee remained unknown ever since.
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M Oripenaye condemned the incident, describing it as pure criminality, and unacceptable.
He said he had informed all security agencies in the state, urging them to pursue the perpetrators and rescue the victim.
“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,” Mr Oripenaye said in a statement.
“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.”
He, however, called on residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tension or hinder investigative efforts.
He noted that the safety and security of every resident in Ilaje Local Government Area 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,” he added.
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“We hereby call on all security agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to secure the safe and immediate release of Prince Emorioloye Owolemi; launch a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors; intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering across Ilaje to prevent further criminal 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.”
Police Spokesperson, Jimoh Abayomi, a chief superintendent of police(CSP), while confirming the incident, assured that the command had commenced investigation into the incident immediately.
“Information at my disposal remains sketchy but full scale investigation has commenced,” he said.
“However, we urge the good people of Ondo State to remain calm. The command has put every measures on ground to ensure security of lives and property in the state.”
