Gunmen Shoot Ekiti Monarch In An Attempted Kidnap

The Attah of Ayede-Ekiti in Oye Local Government area of Ekiti State Oba Abdul-Mumini Adebayo Orisagbemi, was on Sunday attacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

According to Nigerian Tribune,  the First class traditional ruler was shot by the gunmen while travelling on the Isan-Ekiti-Ayede road at about 8:30 pm.

It was gathered that the kidnappers, who had been terrorising the people along the axis in the last one year, attempted to kidnap the traditional ruler before he escaped from the scene.

One of the sources said that the kidnappers, numbering about 10, fired shots into the vehicle which hit the traditional ruler in the leg.

He disclosed that the traditional ruler had been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

The source said, “The traditional ruler was travelling along the road around 8:30 pm which is now notorious for kidnappings and attacks by bandits.

“The gunmen wanted to kidnap him and fired several shots into his car but due to the deft move by his driver, they managed to escape from the scene but unfortunately, the shots hit the monarch in the leg.

“As I speak with you, Kabiesi is now in the hospital receiving treatment over the gunshot wounds, especially in his legs. We pray for his quick recovery.”

He stated further: “Let me say this. That particular axis has been in the news for the wrong reasons in the last one year over the activities of bandits attacking people on the road, but government has not done anything to address the situation. This is sad. It could be anybody tomorrow, if this is not nipped in the bud.”

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Abutu, said that the traditional ruler was returning from Ijero-Ekiti when the gunmen attacked him.

According to him, the command responded swiftly to rescue the traditional ruler from the gunmen, saying efforts were ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.

“He was returning from Ijero when the unknown gunmen came out from the bush and started shooting at his vehicle at about 9 pm. In the process, he sustained gunshot wounds in his leg and is currently receiving and responding to treatment in one hospital.

“ Efforts are ongoing to arrest the gunmen and bring them to justice,” Abutu said.