In a distressing security breach, a prominent political figure in Oyo State has been taken by armed assailants. Honourable Wale Oriade, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ibadan South West Local Government Area, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Wednesday evening.
Details of the Abduction
The incident occurred around 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, as the politician was leaving his office. The office is situated in the Akala Expressway area of Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State. Reports indicate that the gunmen swiftly accosted and whisked him away to an unknown location. The motives behind the abduction and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear as investigations commence.
Political Leader Raises Alarm
The kidnapping was confirmed by Senator Teslim Folarin, a former Senate Leader and the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Oyo State. Expressing profound shock, Senator Folarin described the event as both unacceptable and a painful indicator of the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation.
"I am deeply troubled by the kidnapping of Hon. Wale Oriade," Folarin stated. "This incident is unacceptable and a painful reminder of the growing insecurity confronting our dear nation."
He issued a direct appeal to all security agencies, urging them to "act decisively and deploy every necessary resource to ensure his immediate and safe rescue." Senator Folarin also extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of the abducted politician and called for calm among party members and residents while security operatives intensify their efforts.
Calls for Strengthened Security
Beyond the immediate rescue mission, Senator Folarin's statement highlighted broader concerns about safety in the state. He emphatically declared that "Oyo State must not be surrendered to criminals," advocating for a reinforced security architecture, improved intelligence sharing, and enhanced protection for all citizens.
He concluded his remarks with a prayer: "May Almighty Allah safeguard Hon. Oriade and return him home safely." This incident has sent shockwaves through the political landscape in Ibadan, raising urgent questions about the safety of public figures and citizens alike in the region.
