The police command in Oyo has said that Benedict Akika, an abducted chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has regained freedom.
News About Nigeria reports that the PDP chieftain was kidnapped from his residence by suspected gunmen in Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo.
Adewale Osifeso, the police spokesperson in Oyo, confirmed that Akika was released from the den of his abductors on Wednesday.
In a statement on Thursday, Osifeso said the armed men, wearing face masks to hide their identities, stormed the home of the PDP chieftain on September 4, 2024, and abducted him.
The police spokesperson noted that following an intensive manhunt and search by the command’s tactical intelligence team, the police announced that the victim had been freed.
It added that a medical examination is needed 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, regained his freedom late evening on Wednesday, September 9, 2024, and 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.”
