A wave of kidnappings has struck Ibadan, Oyo State, with two high-profile abductions occurring within days.
First, Honorable Wale Oriade, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was reportedly seized by unknown gunmen as he exited his office on Akala Express.
Newsregisterng reports that the latest incident involves Mrs. Ibukun Otesile, the 2025 President of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Ibadan Elite, was kidnapped outside her home in the Akobo area on Thursday evening.
Both kidnappings followed a similar pattern of brazenness, occurring in populous areas of the city.
Otesile was abducted at the gate of her residence in the General Gas area around 8 p.m on Thursday. Similarly, Oriade was targeted at his workplace on a major expressway.
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed an investigation into Otesile’s case, while security agencies have been urgently called upon to respond to Oriade’s abduction.
The incidents have prompted strong reactions from community and religious leaders.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issued a formal plea to security forces for Otesile’s immediate release.
In a response, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin, the Agba-Akin Olubadan of Ibadanland, condemned Oriade’s kidnapping as shocking and unacceptable and called for intensified rescue efforts.
Senator Folarin’s statement highlighted a broader concern, reiterating the need for tighter security collaboration across Oyo State to curb the growing wave of kidnappings.
This call echoes the mounting public anxiety, as concerned residents in the Otesile case also urged citizens to share any credible information that could aid security authorities.
As investigations continue, details about the kidnappers or any demands remain undisclosed in both cases.
The twin abductions have heightened fears among residents, underscoring an urgent demand for enhanced security measures and effective action from law enforcement agencies in the state.
