A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Wale Oriade, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Ibadan, the state capital.
Naija News learnt that the incident occurred around 7:06 pm on Wednesday at his office, located at PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) station in Elewure, along the Akala Expressway, Iyana Ajanla area of New Garage, Ibadan.
According to The PUNCH, eyewitnesses at the scene said the assailants arrived in a blue Micra vehicle with two occupants, the driver and an armed man, who forcefully seized Oriade and fled the scene with him.
“The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community,” an eyewitness stated.
As of press time, there has been no contact from the abductors, and no ransom demand has been made. Oriade’s whereabouts remain unknown.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State chapter of the APC confirmed the abduction and called for urgent intervention from the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement, jointly signed by the APC Oyo South Senatorial Chairman, Mojeed Olaoya, and the State Youth Leader, John Aremu, urged law enforcement to launch a swift and intelligence-driven rescue operation.
“A timely rescue will not only bring relief to Oriade’s family but also reassure the people of the state that the police command remains proactive and committed to the protection of lives and property,” the statement read.
The party also acknowledged the efforts of the state police command in maintaining law and order and called for heightened vigilance during this period.
Also reacting to the incident, former Senate Leader and APC chieftain, Teslim Folarin, described the abduction as shocking and unacceptable.
“This is a deeply troubling development. I urge our security operatives to deploy all necessary intelligence and resources to secure his prompt release. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time,” Folarin said in a statement.
He further stressed the need for stronger security coordination across the state to stem the growing tide of kidnappings and urged residents to remain calm and assist with credible information that could aid the rescue.
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