Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A prominent political figure in Nigeria’s southwestern Ondo State, Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was abducted by suspected armed gunmen in broad daylight last Thursday, triggering alarm and condemnation across the community and political circles.
Prince Owoloemi, also known as Emotel and serving as the Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team — a support group for President Bola Tinubu — was seized at around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at his office along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda, the headquarters of the Ilaje Local Government Area. According to resident eyewitnesses, a group of armed assailants arrived in two Toyota Hilux vehicles, forced their way into his office, and abducted him, whisking him to an unknown destination. As of this report, his whereabouts remain unknown and all attempts to contact him or trace his location have been unsuccessful.
The daring abduction has stirred deep concern among local leaders and residents, who say the incident occurred in a bustling commercial area, highlighting concerns about security in a region that has experienced periodic kidnappings and criminal activity in recent years.
In an official statement issued over the weekend, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, Chairman of the Ilaje Local Government Council, described the incident as a flagrant violation of public safety and an assault on the peace-loving people of Ilaje. He denounced the act as “utterly condemnable and unacceptable,” urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could complicate ongoing efforts by security agencies. The council chairman also extended solidarity to Prince Owoloemi’s family, friends, and political associates during this distressing period.
Calling for urgent action, Oripenaye disclosed that contact has been made with multiple security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and local security networks, to coordinate a comprehensive response aimed at locating and securing Owoloemi’s release. He appealed to community leaders, youth groups, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to collaborate with security operatives by providing any information that might aid the investigation.
The Ilaje council chairman emphasised that the safety and security of all residents remain a top priority and vowed that authorities would intensify patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering across the area to prevent further criminal incidents.
The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that a full-scale investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances of the abduction. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Jimoh Abayomi said details remain sketchy but reassured the public that measures are in place to ensure the security of lives and property throughout the state. He urged residents to remain calm as efforts continue to trace the kidnappers and the victim.
The abduction has drawn attention to wider security challenges facing southwestern Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom and politically targeted violence have been recurring concerns. While Ondo State has largely remained relatively calm compared to other regions, sporadic cases of criminality, including kidnappings, have been reported, prompting calls for enhanced security measures from local and state authorities alike.
Political analysts note that kidnappings of high-profile individuals often carry complex implications for regional stability and can be driven by various motives, ranging from ransom and criminal enterprise to politically motivated intimidation. In this case, no official ransom demand has been made public, and security agencies have not yet attributed the act to any specific motive.
Local residents in Igbokoda and surrounding communities have reacted with shock and concern, urging authorities to act swiftly and ensure that such brazen acts do not become more widespread. Many expressed anxiety over the fact that the abduction took place during daylight hours in a busy part of town, illustrating what some describe as an erosion of public security in areas previously regarded as relatively safe.
Community leaders and civil society organisations have also appealed to the public and media outlets to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified rumours that could inflame tensions or hamper official investigations. They have reiterated support for collaborative efforts between security agencies and local stakeholders aimed at restoring confidence and safeguarding lives.
Meanwhile, Prince Owoloemi’s family and associates have maintained a low public profile, with sources close to the family indicating that private efforts are underway to communicate with the kidnappers and negotiate if necessary. However, no official statement from the family or representatives has been released regarding demands or conditions set by the abductors.
The unfolding situation remains fluid, with security agencies continuing to pursue leads and engage in search operations across key locations in and around Ilaje Local Government Area. As the investigation progresses, authorities have pledged to provide updates and ensure that justice is served, with emphasis on safeguarding the rights and safety of the victim.
The incident has renewed calls from civil rights activists for broader reforms in security infrastructure, urging the federal and state governments to strengthen policing, community engagement, and intelligence networks to preempt similar occurrences in the future.
For now, the local community and political allies of Prince Owoloemi remain on edge, hoping for his safe and swift return as investigations and coordinated security operations continue. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
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