The Oyo State Police Command has announced the release of Benedict Akika, who was kidnapped from his home in Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba, Lagelu Local Government Area, by suspected gunmen.
The command’s spokesperson, Adéwálé Osifeso, reported that the abducted Peoples Democratic Party chieftain was released Wednesday.
The PDP chieftain’s release was detailed in a statement provided to reporters on Thursday.
On September 4, 2024, armed men invaded the PDP chieftain’s home, using face masks to conceal their identities, and abducted him.
Meanwhile, after an extensive manhunt and search by the command’s tactical intelligence team, police confirmed that the victim had been released and was 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.”
