Gunmen abduct traditional ruler in Ondo, demand N15m ransom

Armed men suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday abducted a traditional head, the Ita Oniyani of Iyani Akoko in Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Joel Daodu.

According to a source, the traditional ruler was travelling to Oba Akoko in Akoko South West Area of the state before he was abducted by the hoodlums along Ikare road.

A family source who confirmed the abduction said the traditional ruler went to Oba-Akoko to attend a social function on Saturday, revealing that he was driving himself towards Akoko before he ran into the kidnappers and was taken away by his abductors.

He explained that Oba Daodu was alone in his car when the incident happened.

He said traditional ruler had promised one of his friends in Akure from the North, asking him to wait for him in a hotel with a promise to come back early.

He said traditional ruler called his friend and told him he was on his way when he left Oba-Akoko, but hours later, traditional ruler did not return or call his friend about what led to the delay.

The source, however, told Metro that the abductors have demanded for N15 million ransom for his release.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said investigation had commenced into the matter.

He said policemen were working towards bringing the abductors to book and pledged to arrest the hoodlums soon.

Joseph said the police were on the trail of the kidnappers and would rescue traditional ruler unhurt.

The Akure / Owo road had been notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery in the recent past. The former Regent of Akungba, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon and many others had been kidnapped along the road.