Police hunt abductors of Ondo APC chieftain

The Ondo State Police Command, on Sunday, confirmed the abduction of an All Progressives Congress chieftain in Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Owoloemi Emorioloye.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced.

“Information at my disposal remains sketchy, but a full-scale investigation has 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,” the PPRO said.

Earlier, the council chairman, Mr Maurice Oripenaye, raised the alarm over the abduction.

Oripenaye, in a statement issued on Sunday, alleged that Emorioloye was abducted by armed men who stormed his office in Igbokoda, the headquarters of the local government, on Thursday in two Hilux vehicles, adding that his whereabouts had remained unknown since then.

According to the statement, the council chairman condemned the incident and called on security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the victim’s safe release.

He said, “The Ilaje Local Government Council has received with profound shock and grave concern reports of the brazen abduction of Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, a respected media and political figure in our community, widely known as Emotel and the DG of Asiwaju Media Team.

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 council chairman further stated that the safety and security of residents remained his priority, noting that “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.”

Culled from punch