The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, Maurice Oripenaye, has raised the alarm over the alleged abduction of an All Progressives Congress chieftain, Owoloemi Emorioloye.
In a statement on Sunday, Oripenaye alleged that Emorioloye was seized by armed men who stormed his office in Igbokoda, the council headquarters, on Thursday morning.
According to the statement, the victim was taken at about 9:00 a.m. along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda by armed individuals who arrived in two Hilux vans. His whereabouts have since remained unknown.
“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,” the statement read.
Citing eyewitness accounts, the council chairman described the act as “a flagrant violation of public safety and an assault on the peace-loving people of Ilaje.”
Oripenaye condemned the abduction and called for immediate security intervention. “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 said.
He urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tension or hinder investigations.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations had commenced. He appealed for calm, assuring residents that the command was taking measures to ensure security across the state.
