Gunmen Abduct APC Chieftain in Ondo, Tinubu Support Group DG Missing

Armed men have abducted a senior figure of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, raising fresh concerns over security in the coastal region.

Prince Emorioloye Owoloemi, an APC chieftain and Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team — a political support group for President Bola Tinubu — was seized on Friday morning in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.

Local sources said the attackers struck at about 9am at the Okonga/Olodo Junction, arriving in two Hilux vehicles before storming Owoloemi’s office. He was reportedly forced into one of the vehicles and driven away to an undisclosed location.

As of the time of reporting, his whereabouts remain unknown.

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripenaye, condemned the abduction, describing it as a grave threat to public safety and community stability.

In a statement, Mr Oripenaye said the local council had activated multiple security channels in response to the incident.

“We have contacted all relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, the Nigerian Army and local security networks, to ensure a swift and coordinated response,” he said. “We urge residents and stakeholders to share credible information that may assist ongoing operations.”

He appealed for calm and warned against the spread of unverified reports, saying misinformation could undermine investigations. The council chairman also stressed that the local government would not tolerate violence, intimidation or lawlessness.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the abduction. The police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said investigations were under way, noting that details were still emerging.

He added that “full-scale measures have been put in place to ensure the security of lives and property across the state.”

The incident comes amid growing anxiety over kidnappings and targeted attacks in parts of southern Nigeria, despite repeated assurances from authorities on improved security.