Unknown gunmen have abducted a monarch of Iyasan town, in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Abiodun Oyewumi.
It was gathered that the kidnappers entered the community through the Owena River at the boundary between Ondo and Edo States around 10:30 pm on Monday and reportedly went straight to the palace of the traditional ruler, whisking him away to an unknown destination.
In his reaction to the development, the chairman of Irele Local Government area of the state, Mr. Sanmi Elumaro, explained that the kidnappers numbering about ten came into the town through the waterways and headed to the palace.
He added that the kidnappers were heavily armed and none of the residents could challenge or confront them while the operation was going on.
The council boss said the men of the Nigerian Navy and the police in the riverine area of the state had been on the trail of the suspected kidnappers, expressing optimism that the hoodlums would be apprehended.
The Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Femi Joseph, when contacted on the telephone on Wednesday confirmed the abduction of the monarch, saying the command had begun investigation on the matter.
He said, ” We have begun manhunt for the kidnappers and I am very sure the monarch would be rescued unhurt very soon. ”
A source in the town told our correspondent that the kidnappers had not contacted the family of the monarch over the issue of ransom and whereabouts of the traditional ruler was still unknown at the time of this report.
