Gunmen have abducted an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Oyo State, Wale Oriade, in Ibadan, raising fresh concerns over worsening insecurity in the state capital.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening at Oriade’s office located within the PJ Square Shopping Complex, near a filling station along the Akala Expressway, Iyana Ajanla area of Ibadan. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the kidnappers arrived in a vehicle, forcefully seized the APC chieftain, and swiftly drove away to an unknown destination.
Sources at the scene said the attack caused panic among residents and business operators in the area, as the gunmen reportedly operated with brazenness, suggesting prior surveillance. As of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand has been officially made public.
The Oyo State chapter of the APC has confirmed the abduction, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable. Party leaders have called on security agencies to act swiftly to ensure Oriade’s safe and immediate rescue. Senior party figures have also condemned the incident, urging the police and other security operatives to intensify efforts to tackle the rising trend of kidnapping and violent crime in the state.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command is yet to issue a detailed public statement on the matter, though security sources say investigative and rescue operations are underway.
The abduction adds to a growing list of kidnap incidents across the South-West, fueling public anxiety and renewed calls on government authorities to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, and restore confidence in public safety.
Abuja Network News
Tags
News