Suspected armed men have kidnapped a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, sparking fresh concerns over security in the coastal part of the state.
Owoloemi, who is also the Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team, a political support group for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was reportedly abducted on Friday morning in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to sources, the incident occurred at about 9 a.m. at the Okonga/Olodo Junction, a busy area within Igbokoda. The attackers were said to have arrived in two Hilux vehicles, suggesting a well-planned operation.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen stormed Owoloemi’s office, threatened those around with weapons, and forcibly took him away to an unknown location. The entire operation was said to have lasted only a few minutes, leaving residents in shock and fear.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the APC chieftain remain unknown. No contact has been established with his family or associates, and there has been no information on whether the kidnappers have made any demands.
The abduction has sent shockwaves across Ilaje Local Government Area and beyond, given Owoloemi’s political profile and role as a key supporter of the ruling party at the national level.
Prince Owoloemi is a well-known political figure in the riverine Ilaje area. He has been actively involved in grassroots politics and media mobilisation, especially during election periods. As Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team, he played a visible role in promoting the policies and political message of President Tinubu and the APC.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, strongly condemned the abduction, describing it as a serious threat to public safety and peace in the area.
Oripenaye said the local council had immediately activated security channels to ensure a quick and effective response to the incident.
“We have immediately contacted all relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and local security networks, to ensure a swift and coordinated response,” he said.
The council chairman called on residents and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could help track the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
“We call on all stakeholders to provide useful information that could aid this operation,” Oripenaye added.
He also appealed to residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities while security agencies carry out their investigations. He warned against the spread of unverified information, which he said could create panic or obstruct ongoing rescue efforts.
Oripenaye stressed that the Ilaje Local Government would not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation, or lawlessness, adding that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority for the council.
Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had commenced investigations into the abduction. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said details were still emerging but assured the public that security agencies were fully involved.
“The command has commenced investigations, and full-scale measures have been put in place to ensure the security of lives and property in the state,” Abayomi said.
He did not disclose further details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The kidnapping has renewed concerns about insecurity in parts of Ondo State, particularly in riverine and coastal communities. While Ondo has not recorded kidnapping incidents on the scale seen in some other states, there has been a growing worry about criminal activities such as armed robbery, cult violence, and abduction for ransom.
Ilaje Local Government Area, which lies along the Atlantic coastline, has vast creeks and waterways. Security experts say such terrain can make policing difficult and may provide hideouts for criminal gangs if not properly monitored.
In recent years, residents of coastal Ondo communities have raised concerns about poor security presence, especially in remote areas. Community leaders have often called for increased patrols, better intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups.
The abduction of a high-profile political figure like Owoloemi has intensified these concerns, with many residents fearing that ordinary citizens could also be at risk.
In Ondo State, security has remained a key issue for both the state government and local councils. The state has, in the past, worked with federal security agencies to address criminal activities, including clashes between herders and farmers, armed robbery, and cult-related violence.
The state government has also supported the use of local security outfits and community policing initiatives to complement the efforts of the police and other federal agencies.
Residents of Igbokoda described Friday’s incident as frightening, especially because it happened in broad daylight.
“This is very disturbing. If they can come in the morning and take someone from his office, then nobody is safe,” a resident who asked not to be named said.
Another resident said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to strengthen security in the area.
“We need more security patrols and intelligence. Our communities are too open, especially with the waterways,” the resident said.
As investigations continue, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how quickly security agencies can rescue the abducted APC chieftain and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge in Nigeria over the past decade. Criminal groups often target businessmen, politicians, traditional rulers, and even ordinary citizens. The crime has caused fear and disrupted social and economic activities in many parts of the country.
The federal and state governments have repeatedly pledged to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes. Security agencies have recorded successes in some cases, but incidents like the abduction of Prince Owoloemi show that the challenge remains serious.
For now, the family, friends, and political associates of the abducted APC chieftain are hoping for his safe and quick return. Community leaders and residents are also urging security agencies to act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further attacks in Ilaje Local Government Area and other parts of Ondo State.