The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the release of Benedict Akika, who was kidnapped from his residence by suspected gunmen in Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba, located in Lagelu Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson for the command, Adéwálé Osifeso, stated that the abducted Peoples Democratic Party chieftain was freed on Wednesday.
The PDP chieftain’s release was contained in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday.
Armed men, wearing face masks to hide their identities, stormed the home of the PDP chieftain on September 4, 2024, and abducted him.
Meanwhile, following an intensive manhunt and search by the command’s tactical intelligence team, the police announced that the victim had been freed and is undergoing medical examination before being reunited with his family.
The statement partly read, “The politician was freed from his captors after days of intensive manhunt by the command’s tactical, intelligence, and operational assets, strategically extending the search and rescue mission by combing adjoining forests across Ijagun, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, Ore, Ondo State, and lastly Uselu in Edo State.
“The victim, who regained his freedom late evening on Wednesday, September 9, 2024. is currently undergoing medical intervention before his final reunion with his loved ones. Efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act.
“While appealing to residents of the state to assist the ongoing investigation by providing timely and credible information to the police, the Oyo State Police Command re-affirms its resolve to ensure that Oyo State is not turned into a playground for the sinister-minded.”
Akika is regarded as a key ally of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.