The Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Council in Ondo State, Mr Maurice Oripenaye, has condemned the abduction of the Director-General of Asiwaju Media Team in the council, Mr Emorioloye Owolemi, by gunmen.
Oripenaye, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that Owolemi was abducted around 9 a.m. on Jan. 15 at Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, Ilaje council area.
He said that the incident represented a flagrant violation of public safety and an assault on the peace-loving people of Ilaje council area.
“The Ilaje LGA received, with profound shock and grave concern, reports of the brazen abduction of a respected media and political figure in our community, widely known as Emotel.
“According to eyewitness accounts, Owolemi 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 Ilaje LGA, I strongly denounce this reprehensible act and extend our heartfelt solidarity to the family, friends and associates of Owolemi during this distressing period,” he said.
Oripenaye urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tension or hinder investigative efforts.
He said that the safety and security of every resident within the council area remained his topmost priority.
The council chairman further stated that he had immediately initiated contacts with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and local security networks to ensure a swift, coordinated and decisive response.
Oripenaye called on security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to secure the safe and immediate release of Owolemi and launch a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors.
He also urged security agencies to intensify patrols, surveillance and intelligence-gathering across Ilaje council area 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 can aid in this operation,” Oripenaye said.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, in his reaction, said that information at his disposal as at the time of filing this report was sketchy.
Abayomi, however, said full-scale investigation had commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
“However, I urge the good people of the state to remain calm. The command has put every measure in place to ensure security of lives and property in the state,” he said.
