Irele community’s monarch kidnapped in Ondo State

Suspected kidnappers stormed the palace of a foremost monarch in Irele local government area of Ondo State, the Laragunsin of Iyasan, Oba Abiodun Oyewumi and took him away on Monday night.

Sources in the town told DAILY POST that an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Iyasan around 10:30 pm on Monday night and headed straight to the palace where they operated unhindered for about 30 minutes.

The source said the suspected kidnappers invaded the town through Owena River that serves as boundary between Ondo and Edo state.

The Chairman of Irele local government, Hon Sanmi Elumaro who confirmed the kidnapping said the kidnappers numbering about ten came into the town through the waterways and headed to the palace.

According to him, the kidnappers were armed to the teeth and no resident could challenge them until they finished their operations and took the monarch away.

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 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.