After spending seven days in his kidnappers’ den, the Obadu of Ilemeso-Ekiti in Oyo Local Government Area of Ekiti Statw has regained his freedom.
Oba David Oyewumi was kidnapped in his palace by six gunmen who scaled the palace’s fence around 8.30p.m., invaded his apartment and beat up everyone on sight, including the traditional ruler.
“Kabiyesi has been released. We are happy about this, but I do not know whether any ransom was paid or not.” was reported to have said.
The Monarch’s release came almost 24hours after a family source said the abductors had contacted them to demand N20m as ransom.
Speaking on the development the Ekiti Amotekun Corps Commander, Brig Gen. Joe Komolafe, said the traditional ruler was rescued at Obbo Ile in Kwara State with the support of the vigilante members in Kwara State and Amotekun operatives.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, said, “The traditional ruler has been reunited with his family, though he is at present receiving treatment in hospital because of the trauma”.
Meanwhile, in a similar vein, the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has arrested 35-year-old Mohammed Bello, aka Yellow, alleged to be the mastermind of kidnapping in the Ilejemeje, Oye, Ikole areas of the state.
Acording to Komolafe, Bello was apprehended yesterday on his way from Ajase in Kwara State to Isan Ekiti in the Oye council area.
The Amotekun boss said, “He is the one giving information and directing kidnappers to their victims in the area.
“We have been looking for him since December 25 last year when he was fingered in the kidnap of a businessman, Happiness Ajayi, at Iludun Ekiti in the Ilejemeje council area on Christmas day.
“He was involved in the kidnap a fortnight ago of a petrol station manager at Isan Ekiti, as well that of the Obadu of Ilemeso Ekiti, Oba Oyewunmi on Thursday. He was arrested while returning to Isan Ekiti after the kidnap of the traditional ruler.”
Kidnappers’ in Ekiti State have become more daring in their operations recently as they abduct with reckless abandon notwithstanding the status of their victims.
A week before the abduction of Obadu of Ilemeso-Ekiti a first-class traditional ruler, the Elewu of Ewu, Oba Adetutu Ajayi, had escaped being kidnapped by criminals who shot at his car along Ayetoro-Ewu Road in Ilejemeje Local Government.
The king sustained gunshot injuries and has been recuperating in an undisclosed hospital.
