Police Launch Manhunt for Abductors of Ondo APC Chieftain

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

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said investigations were already underway, assuring residents that security agencies were taking the incident seriously.

He noted that details surrounding the incident were still unclear but stressed that a comprehensive investigation had begun. Jimoh urged residents of the state to remain calm, adding that measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property.

Earlier, the chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Mr Maurice Oripenaye, raised the alarm over the incident. In a statement issued on Sunday, he alleged that Emorioloye was abducted by armed men who reportedly invaded his office in Igbokoda, the council headquarters, on Thursday in two Hilux vehicles. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown.

Oripenaye condemned the abduction and called on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the victim’s safe release.

He described Emorioloye as a respected media and political figure in the area, popularly known as Emotel and Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team. According to him, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda.

Eyewitnesses reportedly said the victim was forcibly taken from his office by armed individuals who arrived in two Hilux vehicles. Oripenaye described the act as a serious breach of public safety, noting that it was carried out in broad daylight in a busy commercial area.

He expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and associates and appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate tension or obstruct ongoing investigations.

The council chairman added that the local government had contacted relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and local security groups, to ensure a swift and coordinated response, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.