A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State Benedict Akika, who was kidnapped on September 4, has been released.
Spokesman of Oyo police Adewale Osifeso said he was freed on Wednesday.
Mr Akika, a key ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, was kidnapped from his residence in Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba, located in Lagelu Local Government Area of the state.
The police said in a statement on Thursday that the politician was undergoing medical examination before being reunited with his family.
The statement said, “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.”
