The Director- General of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Media Team, Prince Owoloemi Emorioloye, has been announced abducted by some armed persons.
Confirming this in a statement, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, the Executive Chairman, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, said Owoloemi was allegedly abducted on Thursday around 9:00am from his office along Okonga/Olodo junction, Igbokoda, by some armed persons who came in two Toyota Hilux Sports Utility Vehicles(SUV).
He lamented that the whereabouts of the abductee remained unknown ever since.
He said the incident is pure criminality, and unacceptable.
He disclosed that he informed all security agencies in the state, calling for manhunt of the perpetrators and rescue of the victim.
His statement reads in parts: “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 safety and security of every resident in Ilaje Local Government remain our topmost priority.
“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.
“We hereby call on all security agencies to mobilize all necessary resources to secure the safe and immediate release of Prince Emorioloye Owolemi; launch a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors; intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering across Ilaje to prevent further criminal activities.
“We also appeal to all community leaders, youth groups, traditional rulers, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with security operatives by providing useful information that could aid in this operation.
“Let it be clear that Ilaje Local Government will not tolerate any form of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence within our territory.
“Our administration remains committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens and will continue to work tirelessly with security institutions to foster a safe environment for social, economic, and political activities.
“We appeal for the support and vigilance of the public as we work to ensure Prince Emorioloye’s safe return and to bring the culprits to justice.”
Reacting to the incident, the Spokesman for the state Police Command, Jimoh Abayomi, a Chief Superintendent of Police(CSP), assured that the command has commenced investigation into the incident immediately.
He said: “Information at my disposal remains sketchy but full scale investigation have commenced.
“However, we urge the good people of Ondo State to remain calm, the Command has put every measures on ground to ensure security of lives and property in the state.”