Newsbreak: Ekiti LG Vice Chairman kidnapped

By Omolade Adegbuyi

Terorrists have struck again in Ekiti State.

Reports made available to Irohinoodua indicated that the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Hon. Chief Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, has been kidnapped.

She was seized along Ipere–Iludun Ekiti in Ekiti State.

Locals said the kidnappers were suspectes to be armed Fulani groups.

Kidnapping has been frequent in the axis for many years. Former Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Olabode Folorunso was once kidnapped in the same area. His aide was shot dead.

According to statement signed by Director of Information and Civic operation in Ilejemeje LGA,
Falade Sunday,
which was made available to irohinoodua, her vehicle was later found abandoned while her whereabouts remain unknown.

Irohinoodua further learned that her mobile phone has also been switched off, as at the time of filing this report, according to local forces who do not wish to be named.

Her aides said she had earlier visited Ilejemeje this morning and was returning to Ido Ekiti when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Security agencies have been alerted while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue her safely, Falade said.

Kidnapping cases in Ilejemeje Local Government Area (headquarters: Eda Oniyo) involves a history of targeted assaults on travelers, political figures, and worshippers by armed bandits. These attacks are frequently concentrated on rural roads and outskirts bordering Kwara State.Notable incidents include: April 2026 Gunmen invaded an open-air crusade at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eda Oniyo. The assailants killed the presiding pastor and abducted multiple worshippers. The abductors initially demanded a N1 billion ransom, which was later negotiated down to N150 million.
Also in September 2024: Armed men attacked the Iludun Ekiti axis of the local government, resulting in the abduction of five residents and the tragic death of a local youth, Idowu Oguntuase.

In the past, the region’s geography—specifically its dense forests and unmonitored borders with neighboring states—has historically made it a strategic hideout for kidnappers operating across the boundaries.

Sources in Ekiti said the State Governor,Abiodun Oyebanji has deployed Amotekun while the police have launched a search and rescue operation to free the abducted and arrest the criminals.