Gunmen Abduct Ondo APC Chieftain Prince Owoloemi Emorioloye in Igbokoda, Sparks Alarm in Ilaje

Suspected gunmen have abducted Prince Owoloemi Emorioloye, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, in a brazen daylight operation in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Thursday, January 15, 2026, around 9:00 a.m., when armed individuals in two Hilux vehicles stormed the victim's office along the Okonga/Olodo Junction and forcefully whisked him away. Eyewitnesses described the operation as swift and audacious, with no immediate resistance reported.

Prince Emorioloye, popularly known as "Emotel," is a respected media personality, political activist, and Director General of the Asiwaju Media Team. He also serves as Publicity Secretary of the Ilaje Leadership Forum and is widely regarded as an influential figure in Ilaje politics and community affairs.

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, expressed profound shock and grave concern in a statement issued on Sunday. He described the abduction as a "flagrant violation of public safety" and an assault on the peace-loving people of Ilaje. Oripenaye confirmed that the council had immediately alerted all relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, and local security networks like Amotekun, to ensure a swift, coordinated response.

"The council has received reports of the brazen abduction of Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi... We condemn this act in the strongest terms and call on security agencies to take immediate action to ensure his safe and unconditional release," Oripenaye stated. He appealed to community leaders, youth groups, traditional rulers, and residents to cooperate with security operatives by providing credible information to aid the ongoing investigation.

The Ondo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed that a full-scale investigation has commenced, though details remain sketchy at this stage. "We urge the good people of Ondo State to remain calm. The Command has put every measure on the ground to ensure the security of lives and property," Abayomi assured.

In a separate reaction, another APC chieftain in the state, Engineer Olabode Jones Ajimijere, called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner of Police, and heads of other security agencies to prioritize the victim's safe release. Ajimijere described the incident as disturbing and a threat to public safety, urging intensified coordinated efforts to rescue Prince Emorioloye and apprehend the perpetrators.

As of Sunday evening, January 18, 2026, the victim remained in captivity, with no reports of ransom demands or contact from the abductors. The abduction has heightened fears in Ilaje and broader Ondo State, where kidnapping incidents have become a recurring security challenge despite ongoing operations by security forces.

This latest incident underscores the persistent threat of insecurity in parts of Ondo State, prompting renewed calls for enhanced surveillance, community vigilance, and decisive government action to protect lives and restore confidence in affected areas. Residents are advised to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to security agencies promptly.