Relief swept through Ekiti State on Thursday after the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Mrs Grace Ogunleye, was rescued by joint security operatives following her reported abduction along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti Road.
The incident had triggered tension across the area after the council official suddenly disappeared on Wednesday under unclear circumstances.
Security sources revealed that her vehicle was later discovered abandoned, while her mobile phone remained switched off for several hours.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the development in a statement released in Ado-Ekiti.
According to him, the council vice chairman was rescued unharmed after a coordinated operation involving multiple security 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,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the police explained that pressure mounted by security forces played a major role in securing her freedom.
“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,” Abutu added.
Residents were reportedly thrown into panic after news of the abduction surfaced on Wednesday evening.
Following the successful rescue, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Micheal Falade, reportedly ordered a full investigation into the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police, Micheal Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident in order to unravel the cause and those behind it,” the statement further revealed.
In addition, authorities are now working to identify the suspects responsible for the attack.
Security agencies have also promised to strengthen surveillance across major roads and vulnerable communities within the state.
Recall that gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Ilejemeje Local Government Area on April 28, 2026.
During the attack, a pastor was reportedly killed while about 15 worshippers were abducted.
Meanwhile, those victims are still said to be in captivity despite ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies.
Residents have therefore called for stronger security presence across rural communities and highways.
