- Akika is regarded as a key ally of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The Oyo Police Command has announced that Benedict Akika, a high-ranking member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been released from captivity.
Akika was whisked away from his home in Idi Ape, Olorunda-Aba, Lagelu Local Government Area, by unidentified gunmen.
Adewale Osifeso, Oyo’s police spokesperson, confirmed that Akika was freed from his abductors’ hideout on Wednesday.
In a Thursday statement, Osifeso explained that masked gunmen invaded Akika’s residence on September 4, 2024, and took him away.
Following a thorough search and manhunt by the police’s tactical team, Akika’s release was secured.
The command said that before reuniting with his family, he is undergoing medical checks.
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.”