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There are agitations among labour unions in Ondo State following the abduction of a health worker attached to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo by unknown gunmen.
The victim, Ayodeji Akesinro, was reportedly kidnapped at his residence in Upenme in Owo local government area of the state.
It was gathered that Mr Akesinro was picked up around 7:00pm on Thursday, August, 2025 right inside his house.
Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals(NUAHP), Ondo State Branch has reacted to the development, urging the security agencies and the state government to secure the release of Mr Akesinro.
Officials of the union said the matter had been reported to the police and other security agencies.
A statement by the union on Friday said members would need to stage a protest to demand the release of one of its members.
NUAHP demanded the immediate and safe release of Mr AKesinro;.Increase security measures in Owo and its surroundings to prevent future kidnappings, particularly, of health workers which has become incessant a collaboration with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Also the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Ondo State Branch, also condemned the abduction of Mr Akesinso, saying it received with deep shock and grave concern the disturbing news of the incident.
The statement by AMLSN signed by its Chairman, Akinlolu Ayodeji, described Mr Akesinro as a dedicated Medical Laboratory Scientist in the service of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, and a respected member of the Association.
“He was forcefully taken from his home. His abduction is most regrettable and wholly condemnable, and we strongly denounce this criminal act in its entirety,” the statement read.
“We therefore use this medium to call on the State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency to once again activate and deploy all necessary machineries, security agencies, and instruments at its disposal to ensure the unconditional and timely release of our abducted colleague.”
Confirming the kidnap case, the State Police Commissioner, Adebowale Lawal, said security operatives are on top of the situation and have begun combing the forest to rescue the victim.
Mr Lawal explained that the police in a joint collaborative effort with other sister security agencies would ensure Mr Akesinro is rescued unhurt while perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.
“Our men are currently inside the bush in collaboration with other sister security agencies to rescue the victim. Let me assure you that we are not resting to ensure the citizens of the state are well secured,” he said.
“We are collaborating with other security agencies in the state, and we are also engaging in the community to ensure everyone is involved in community policing. So, the police is. It resting at all to ensure the people of the state sleep with their two eyes closed.”
The incident has added to an unending spate of kidnapping which ravaging Ondo State, especially occuring in Owo and other parts of the northern senatorial district.
Security agencies have claimed several breakthroughs and paraded many suspects allegedly connected to kidnappings, but residents continue to live in fear of kidnappings as cases are recurring.