A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Hon. Wale Oriade, has been reportedly kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

Oriade was reportedly whisked away by unknown gunmen while leaving his office located at the Akala Expressway area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, around 7pm on Wednesday.

Narrating the incident, an Instagram user, Taoreed Sanusi, who made this known, said the victim was seized by three armed men who forced him into a blue Micra vehicle.

LEADERSHIP notes that Micra, a popular commercial transport system in the state capital, has been linked to instances of criminal activities in the vast city.

"The assailants fled the scene in an unknown direction, and his phone was taken. His safety remains our utmost priority," he said.

Reacting to the incident on Thursday, a former Senate Leader and 2023 APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, expressed dismay over the abduction.

"I am deeply troubled by the kidnapping of Hon. Wale Oriade. This incident is unacceptable and a painful reminder of the growing insecurity confronting our dear nation," Folarin said.

He called on all security agencies "to act decisively and deploy every necessary resource to ensure his immediate and safe rescue."

Senator Folarin extended his thoughts and prayers to the abducted politician's family and appealed for calm among party members and residents as security operatives intensify efforts.

"Oyo State must not be surrendered to criminals. We must strengthen our security architecture, improve intelligence sharing, and protect every citizen.

"May Almighty Allah safeguard Hon. Oriade and return him home safely," he said.