Gunmen have abducted Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, the Director-General of Asiwaju Media Team in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Thefrontrank reports that the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Sunday in Akure.
The council boss explained that Owoloemi, popularly known as Emotel, was kidnapped at about 9:00 a.m on Thursday, January 15, along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda.
Oripenaye said that the current whereabouts of Owoloemi was unknown, and all efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.
The Asiwaju Media Team is to promote and defend the political agenda, policies, and image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement read: “The Ilaje Local Government Council has received with profound shock and grave concern reports of the brazen abduction of Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, a respected media and political figure in our community, widely known as Emotel and the DG of Asiwaju Media Team.
“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.
“Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said information at his disposal was “sketchy”.
Jimoh disclosed that the command has launched full scale investigation into the incident.
He urged residents to remain calm, stating that the command has put measures in place to ensure security of lives and property.
