Armed Men Storm Palace, Kidnap Ondo Traditional Ruler

The Laragunsin of Iyasan community, Oba Abiodun Oyewumi, who is a traditional ruler in Irele local government area of Ondo state, has been reportedly kidnapped.

According to the Nation, the kidnappers, numbering 10 allegedly stormed the monarch’s palace on and operated for 30 minutes before taking him away. Since then, no contact has been made with his family by his abductors on what ransom should be paid for his release.

A palace source said the hoodlums came into the village through Owena River which serves as boundary between Ondo and Edo state around 10.30pm and went straight to the palace where they demanded for the king.

Irele Council Chairman, Hon Sanmi Elumaro, who confirmed the incident said the kidnappers numbering about 10 came into the town through the waterways and headed to the palace. He noted that the abdutors were fullly armed as no one in the community could challenge them until they finished their operations in the village.

Elumaro said he could not say whether or not the kidnapping has to do with the chieftaincy dispute in the town as the monarch was properly installed as the monarch despite the legal tussle over the throne. The council boss said since the abduction, the Navy and the Police in the riverine area have been on the trail of the suspected kidnappers.

The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph also confirmed the abduction of the monarch. He however said investigation has begun to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. Joseph added that reporters would be briefed as soon as there is any breakthrough in the investigation.