The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of a prominent All Progressives Congress figure in Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Owoloemi Emorioloye, and launched investigations into the incident.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed on Sunday that while details of the abduction remained limited, detectives had begun comprehensive inquiries into the matter.
“The information available to us at present is minimal, but we have initiated thorough investigations. We appeal to Ondo State residents to maintain composure as the command has deployed adequate strategies to safeguard lives and property across the state,” Jimoh stated.
The development followed an alarm raised by the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Mr Maurice Oripenaye, regarding the kidnapping.
In a statement released on Sunday, Oripenaye disclosed that gunmen had seized Emorioloye from his office in Igbokoda, the council’s administrative headquarters, on Thursday, arriving in two Hilux vehicles.
He noted that the victim’s location had remained unknown since the incident occurred.
The council chairman condemned the abduction and appealed to security operatives to move quickly to secure the victim’s freedom.
“The Ilaje Local Government Council has learnt with deep shock and serious concern about the audacious kidnapping of Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, an esteemed media practitioner and political personality in our area, popularly recognised as Emotel and Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team,” the statement read.
“The episode, which took place around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, 15th January, near Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, constitutes a blatant breach of public security and an attack on the peace-loving citizens of Ilaje.
“Based on witness testimonies, Prince Emorioloye was seized from his workplace by gunmen who came in two Hilux vehicles. His present location remains a mystery, and all attempts to establish contact with him have been unsuccessful. This criminal operation, executed in daylight hours within a busy commercial district, is completely reprehensible and intolerable.”
Speaking on behalf of the local government, Oripenaye expressed solidarity with Emorioloye’s family, friends, and colleagues during the ordeal.
“We completely condemn this despicable action and express our sincere empathy with the family, friends, and colleagues of Prince Emorioloye Owolemi throughout this traumatic experience,” he stated.
“We equally urge citizens to remain composed and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports that may escalate anxiety or obstruct investigative procedures.”
The chairman emphasised that protecting residents remained his administration’s foremost responsibility, adding that “we have promptly established communication with all appropriate security institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and community security frameworks, to guarantee a rapid, coordinated, and effective intervention.“