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Kidnapped Ekiti Vice Chairman Regains Freedom After Joint Security Operation
At the time of the incident, her mobile phone had reportedly been switched off, deepening concerns over her safety.
Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State– The kidnapped Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mrs Grace Ogunleye, has regained her freedom after being abducted by unknown gunmen along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road.
The development was confirmed on Thursday in Ado Ekiti by the spokesperson of the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, who disclosed that the council official was rescued unhurt following a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
According to reports, Ogunleye was abducted on Wednesday while travelling along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti axis. Her vehicle was later discovered abandoned at the scene, raising alarm over her whereabouts.
At the time of the incident, her mobile phone had reportedly been switched off, deepening concerns over her safety.
However, in a statement issued by the police spokesperson, the Command confirmed her rescue and gave details of how the operation unfolded.
The statement read:“One Mrs Ogunleye Grace, the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, who was allegedly kidnapped on 20th May, 2026 by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums, has been rescued unhurt.”
It further explained that the success of the operation was achieved through sustained pressure mounted on the abductors by a combined team of security forces.
“The breakthrough came as a result of a joint operation by the police, the military and other security agencies as well as local security personnel, who embarked on a rescue mission and mounted pressure on the hoodlums.”
The police also confirmed that investigations have been launched to track down those responsible for the abduction and dismantle the criminal network behind the operation.
“The Commissioner of Police, Micheal Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident in order to unravel the cause and those behind it,” Abutu stated.
The latest development comes amid rising concerns over insecurity in Ilejemeje Local Government Area, which has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent months.
Meanwhile, on April 28, 2026, suspected unknown gunmen stormed a Christ Apostolic Church at Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area during a religious programme, killing the pastor on the spot and abducting about 15 worshippers.
As of the time of filing this report, the abducted church members are still being held in captivity, with security agencies insisting that efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe rescue.
