Whereabouts of Oyo PDP chieftain unknown six days after abduction

There is still no clue to the whereabouts of the kidnapped chieftain of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Benedict Akika, six days after the incident.

It is understood that relevant security agencies are still making efforts to ensure his unconditional release and to apprehend the culprits. Akika was abducted from his Olorunda residence in Akobo, Lagelu Local Council, last Wednesday.

It is believed that his abductors have not yet established contact with the immediate family or political associates of the victim. Also, there has not been any demand for ransom payment from his abductors.

The immediate family members and political associates of the victim are apprehensive about the situation. Some of them, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concerns about the victim’s health, saying Akika was not in a good state of health on the day he was abducted.

A family source said: “Akika was indoors on the day that he was abducted. He (Akika) complained of a slight headache. The health condition necessitated his decision to stay indoors on the fateful day.

“He decided to step out of the room in the evening and interact with the members of his family, not knowing that the suspected gunmen were monitoring his movement.”

The source added that his state of health is giving the family serious concern as they do not know the kind of rigour he may have been subjected to in the kidnappers’ den.

Although police authorities have put the necessary apparatus in place to ensure his release, it is understood that the State Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, visited the family members.Sonubi assured the family that the police would not rest until the victim is unconditionally released.