Benedict Akika, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, has regained his freedom after being kidnapped by armed men at his residence.
The abduction occurred on September 4, 2024, in Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba, located in Lagelu Local Government Area of the state. The kidnappers, who wore masks to conceal their identities, stormed Akika’s home and forcefully took him away.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed Akika’s release in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Adéwálé Osifeso, Akika was freed on Wednesday evening after a series of intensive search and rescue operations by the police tactical intelligence team.
The operation covered extensive areas including forests across Ijagun in Ogun State, Ore in Ondo State, and Uselu in Edo State.
The police revealed that Akika is currently undergoing medical examinations and will be reunited with his family once his health condition is fully assessed.
The statement partly read, “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.”
