The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mrs Grace Ogunleye, has regained her freedom after being abducted by suspected kidnappers.
The council official was reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road in Ekiti State. Sources disclosed that her vehicle was later discovered abandoned, while efforts to reach her through her mobile phone proved unsuccessful.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, said the victim was rescued unharmed through coordinated efforts by security operatives.
Abutu, in a statement issued on Thursday in Ado Ekiti, explained that a combined team of police officers, military personnel, other security agencies, and local security operatives intensified rescue efforts, leading to Ogunleye’s release.
“Mrs Grace Ogunleye, the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, who was allegedly kidnapped on May 20, 2026, by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums, has been rescued unhurt,” he said.
He attributed the success of the operation to sustained pressure mounted on the abductors during the rescue mission.
“The breakthrough came as a result of a joint operation by the police, the military and other security agencies, alongside local security personnel, who embarked on a rescue mission and mounted pressure on the hoodlums,” Abutu added.
The police spokesperson further stated that the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Micheal Falade, had directed a detailed investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify those responsible.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident in order to unravel the cause and those behind it,” he said.
The incident comes weeks after gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, during a religious programme, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers. Reports indicate that some of the victims remain in captivity, while security agencies continue efforts to secure their release.
