A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, Benedict Akika, who was kidnapped by gunmen on September 4, 2024, has regained his freedom.
Mr Akika was kidnapped by some gunmen at his Olorunda Abba residence in Oyo State.
Sources close to the PDP chieftain said Mr Akika was kidnapped around 9:30 pm in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state, Superintendent of Police Adewale Osifeso, confirmed his release in a press statement issued on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in Ibadan.
According to the Police spokesperson, the politician regained his freedom after days of intensive manhunt by the Command’s tactical, intelligence and operational assets.
Mr Osifeso said the search and rescue mission strategically extended to combing adjoining forests across Ijagun at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun, Ore in Ondo State and Uselu in Edo.
He said Mr Akika regained his freedom late evening on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, and is currently undergoing medical treatment before his final reunion with his loved ones.
“Efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend members of the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act,” Mr Osifeso said.
He appealed to residents to assist the Police Command in ongoing investigations by providing timely and credible information.
“The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its resolve to ensure that the state is not turned into a playground for the sinister-minded,” the PPRO said in the statement.
