A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain who was kidnapped by gunmen at his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Benedict Akika, has regained freedom from captivity.

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the PDP chieftain’s release via a statement on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Akika was abducted by gunmen at his residence in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State on September 4.

Osifeso said the politician regained freedom after days of intensive manhunt by the police’s tactical, intelligence, and operational assets.

Osifeso said the search and rescue mission strategically extended to combing adjoining forests across Ijagun at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Ore in Ondo State, and Uselu in Edo State.

Gunmen kidnap PDP chieftain in Ibadan

He said Akika regained freedom on Wednesday evening and is currently undergoing medical intervention prior to his final reunion with his loved ones.

“Efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend members of the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act,” the police spokesperson said.

Osifeso appealed to residents to assist the Oyo State Police Command in ongoing investigations by providing timely and credible information.

“The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its resolve to ensure that the state is not turned into a playground for the sinister-minded,” he added.

The Star