Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has issued a directive to the State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), and Amotekun Corps to immediately mobilize resources and devise a plan to secure the safe release of the abducted State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti, Hon. Paul Omotoso, and two others.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized that the primary objective is not only to rescue Omotoso unharmed but also to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act and ensure they face the full force of the law.
The incident occurred when Omotoso, a former Commissioner, and the two others were kidnapped by armed men along Agbado-Imesi road on Saturday, and subsequently taken to an undisclosed location.
Based on reliable information from family members, Omotoso had attended a wedding in Ikare Akoko, Ondo State and was returning to Ado Ekiti when the incident occurred.
During a visit to Omotoso's family in Imesi Ekiti, Ayekire Local Government area, Governor Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, expressed his condolences and stated that his administration would spare no effort in combating the menace of kidnapping in Ekiti.
The Governor issued a firm instruction to the police and DSS operatives to thoroughly search the vast forests along the Agbado-Imesi-Irun Akoko route in Ondo State and other suspected areas, with the aim of safely rescuing the victims from their captors.
Governor Oyebanji described the incident as deeply troubling and alarming, reaffirming his commitment to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the sporadic cases of kidnapping in Ekiti.
In a bid to eradicate abductions in the affected areas, the Governor assured that the state forest reserves, extending from Agbado-Imesi-Ise, would be revived and effectively utilized to dismantle the hideouts of criminal elements.
He stated, "The Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, received the news of the kidnap of the State Chairman of APC, Hon Paul Omotoso, with sadness. We are aware of the trauma this must have caused his family, his town, admirers, and members of our great party in Ekiti, and Nigeria as a whole.
"Governor Oyebanji has been working diligently to reduce insecurity since taking office nine months ago. We will not allow any evildoer to undermine our efforts to make Ekiti safe for investment and habitation.
"I hereby charge the security operatives, including the police, DSS, army, and other sister agencies, to rescue him alive from these criminals and reunite him safely with his family. I appeal to our youth not to take the law into their own hands but to remain peaceful and calm. I assure you that Omotoso will be released soon and reunited with us."
During the visit to Onimesi, Oba Olatunde, it was revealed that the community was deeply saddened by the incident. Prayers were being organized to ensure the safe return of the victim and his reunion with the community. The monarch urged calm among irate youths and subjects who were angered by Omotoso's abduction.
"We are organizing prayers and remain hopeful that he will soon be released. The government and security agencies are deploying every resource to secure his freedom," Oba Olatunde assured.
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