The kidnapped Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mrs Grace Ogunleye, has regained her freedom after being rescued from her abductors.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, disclosing that the council official was rescued unharmed.
According to reports, Ogunleye was abducted on Wednesday along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road by suspected gunmen.
Sources revealed that her vehicle was later discovered abandoned by the roadside, while her whereabouts remained unknown for several hours. Her mobile phone was also reportedly switched off following the incident.
Confirming the rescue operation, the police spokesperson stated that security operatives mounted intense pressure on the kidnappers through a coordinated operation involving multiple agencies.
“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,” Abutu said.
“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,” he added.
Abutu further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Micheal Falade, had ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident to uncover those responsible for the abduction.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident in order to unravel the cause and those behind it,” the statement added.
The incident has once again raised concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Ekiti State, particularly in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.
The latest abduction comes weeks after gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church programme at Eda Oniyo in the same local government area on April 28, 2026.
During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot dead the pastor in charge and abducted about 15 worshippers.
The kidnapped church members are said to still remain in captivity, while security agencies continue efforts to secure their release.
