A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Mr. Wale Oriade, has regained his freedom after spending 39 days in the custody of his abductors. His release, which occurred on Saturday, has brought relief to party members, family, and residents who had been deeply worried since his abduction.
The Public Relations Officer of the APC in Oyo State, Mr. Wale Sadare, confirmed the development to The PUNCH Online in a telephone conversation from Ibadan, the state capital. “Yes, I can confirm it. He (Oriade) has been released,” Sadare stated, without providing further details on the circumstances surrounding his freedom.
Mr. Oriade was kidnapped on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at about 7:06 pm at his office located within the PJ Square Shopping Complex, beside the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) station at Elewure, along Iyana Ajanla on the Akala Expressway, New Garage area of Ibadan.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the attackers arrived at the scene in a blue Micra vehicle with two occupants. According to them, the driver remained in the car while an armed accomplice stormed the office, forcibly seized Oriade, and bundled him into the waiting vehicle before speeding off. The boldness and precision of the operation sparked fear and concern among residents and business owners in the area.
“The nature of the attack and the precision with which it was carried out have caused deep concern within his community,” an eyewitness said.
Further investigations revealed that a ransom was paid to secure Oriade’s release, although the exact amount remains undisclosed. His abduction and eventual release have once again highlighted the persistent challenge of kidnapping and insecurity in parts of the country, prompting renewed calls for improved security measures to protect citizens.
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