Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler in Ondo

Armed men on Sunday abducted a traditional head of Ita Oniyan community in Akure South Local Government area of Ondo State, Oba Joel Daodu.

According to a source, the monarch was abducted when travelling along Owo/Ikare road in Ondo State.

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

He explained that the monarch was alone in his car when the incidents happened but said the abductors never informed the family about the whereabouts of the monarch.

However, he said the monarch 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 the monarch called his friend and told him he was on his way when he left Oba-Akoko, but hours later, the monarch did not return neither did he call his friend about what led to his delay.

The state Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident and said investigation has commenced on the matter.

He said his men had swung into action to bring the abductors to book, saying the police would rescue the monarch unhurt.

He said no ransom has been demanded by the suspected kidnappers while the family awaits the call from the abductors.

The Akure/Owo road has 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 this road.