Residents of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were thrown into fear on Wednesday evening after gunmen abducted a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Wale Oriade. The incident occurred at about 7:06 p.m. on December 3, 2025, at the PJ Square Shopping Complex beside the NNPC filling station at Elewure, Iyana Ajanla, along the Akala Expressway in the New Garage area.
Oriade, a well-known political figure within the APC in Oyo State, reportedly operates an office in the complex where he was seized.
Eyewitnesses who were present at the shopping complex said the kidnappers arrived in a blue Micra car, a common commercial vehicle in Ibadan. The vehicle reportedly had two occupants — a driver and an armed man. According to witnesses, the armed man stepped out of the vehicle, confronted Oriade, and forcibly pushed him into the car.
Witnesses described the operation as fast and carefully planned, raising concerns that the kidnappers may have monitored Oriade’s movements before striking. Some residents said the area has seen increasing security concerns in recent months, including reports of robbery and isolated cases of violence.
As at the time of filing this report, neither Oriade’s family nor his political associates had been contacted by the kidnappers. No ransom demand had been made, and his exact location remains unknown.
Security sources said they could not confirm whether the kidnappers were a criminal gang or if the abduction was politically motivated. However, the timing of the incident, coming at a period of intense political activities ahead of local and state election preparations, has raised fears within the state’s political circles.
The Oyo State chapter of the APC confirmed the abduction in a statement jointly signed by Mojeed Olaoya, the APC Oyo South Senatorial Chairman, and John Aremu, the State Youth Leader.
The party described the incident as shocking and disturbing, calling on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation.
“A timely rescue will not only bring relief to Oriade’s family but also reassure the people of Oyo State that the Police Command remains proactive and committed to the protection of lives and property,” the statement read.
The APC said the incident adds to growing concerns about insecurity in Oyo State, especially in areas surrounding major expressways and business centres.
Oyo State has in recent years recorded a number of kidnapping incidents, especially along major roads such as the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Ijebu-Ode axis, and rural border communities. While the state government and security agencies have stepped up patrols, kidnappers have continued to target motorists, farmers, and sometimes political figures.
Ibadan, though traditionally known as a relatively calm city, has in recent years seen a change in its security environment due to rapid population growth, economic pressures, and expanding urban slums.
In its statement, the APC also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Oyo State Police Command to maintain peace and order. However, the party urged the security agencies to intensify surveillance and increase patrols, especially during the festive season and throughout the political period leading up to the 2026 election cycle.
The party warned that the abduction of a senior party member like Oriade could heighten tension if not handled promptly.
At the time of writing, the Oyo State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident. Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) were unsuccessful, but security sources indicated that preliminary investigations had begun.
Residents of the Elewure and Iyana Ajanla communities expressed fear after the incident. Shop owners at the plaza said they closed earlier than usual on Thursday due to panic. Some said they are now afraid that the kidnappers may be operating within the vicinity.
A local business owner who witnessed the incident said, “Everything happened so fast. The man didn’t even have time to shout. The gunman just dragged him and they drove off.” Many residents have called for increased security presence in the area.
Meanwhile, the APC is urging party members to remain calm and avoid speculation, while hoping that law enforcement agencies will find and rescue the abducted chieftain.
The kidnapping of Wale Oriade adds to the growing list of security challenges in Oyo State, highlighting once again the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, community policing, and coordinated action to combat criminal networks.
