A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Ibadan, Oyo State, Benedict Akika, kidnapped by gunmen on September 4 at his Olorunda Abba residence has regained his freedom.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed his release in a press statement on Thursday in Ibadan.

Mr Akika was kidnapped around 9:30 p.m at his residence in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The PPRO said the politician regained freedom after days of intensive manhunt by the command’s tactical, intelligence and operational teams.

Mr Osifeso said the search and rescue mission was strategically extended to adjoining forests across Ijagun at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Ore in Ondo State and Uselu in Edo State.

He said that Mr Akika regained freedom late on Wednesday and was currently undergoing medical intervention prior to his final reunion with his loved ones.

“Efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend members of the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act,” Mr Osifeso said.

He appealed to residents to assist the police command in ongoing investigations by providing timely and credible information.

“The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its resolve to ensure that the state is not turned into a playground for the sinister-minded,” the PPRO said in the statement.

(NAN)