Kwara kidnapping: Stakeholders condemn monarch’s murder

Stakeholders in Kwara state have jointly condemned the reported killing of the traditional ruler of Koro town in the Ekiti local government area of the state, Oba Peter Olusegun Aremu-Cole, and the abduction of his wife on Thursday night by suspected kidnappers.

In their separate statements, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Senator Bukola Saraki, the senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Saliu Mustapha, and the state chapter of the PDP, a political party,

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), condemned the gruesome murder of the Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, Gen. Segun Aremu (rtd), and the abduction of his wife and two others.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, in a statement issued on Friday in Ilorin, appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts towards the protection of lives and property in the state.

He expressed the condolences of the members of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council to the people of the Koro community, indigenes of Ekiti Local Government Area, the government, and the people of Kwara State over the sad incident.

He urged the Kwara State Government to ensure that necessary support is given to security agencies to curb the incessant crimes and criminality across the state.

The Emir, therefore, urged religious leaders across the state to embark on special prayers for the state for the restoration of peace and harmony, which Kwara State is known for globally.

Also, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha, condemned the murder of Oba Peter Olusegun Aremu-Cole, the revered traditional ruler of Koro in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

“Oba Segun Aremu was a friendly, hospitable, and responsible traditional ruler with whom the Senator shared a close personal relationship until his demise. His gruesome murder and the abduction of his family members are a sacrilage of our communal values and traditions.

“Senator Mustapha commends the Kwara State Government for its swift response to this tragic incident. The emergency security meeting held by Gov. Abdul Rahman AbdulRazak and the rapid mobilisation of security forces to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped royal family members demonstrate a commendable commitment to the security of the lives and property of the citizenry.

He, therefore, joins the Governor in charging our security agencies, including the local vigilante, not to relent in their pursuit of the perpetrators of this vile act.

“We must apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice to send a clear message that such acts of violence and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in Kwara State.

“The Senator calls upon constituents in Kwara Central and all people of good conscience across Kwara State to unite in solidarity and support for the Kwara State Government, the security agencies, the Ekiti Local Government Council, the community of Koro in Ekiti LGA, and most importantly, the bereaved family of the deceased.

“To the family of the departed monarch and the community he served, I offer my deepest condolences. May the Almighty grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss, and may the soul of the departed find eternal peace,” the Senator said.

In his own statement, the President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, expressed shock over the killing of the Olukoro of Koro, Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, Oba Peter Olusegun Aremu-Cole, and the kidnapping of his family members.

In the statement issued on Friday in Ilorin, Saraki condemned the act, describing it as dastardly, inhuman, and unpardonable.

He condoled with the traditional council of Koro, the royal family, and the people of Koro over the loss, praying to God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear it.

The former Senate President expressed concern over the worsening spate of insecurity in the state, charging the government to secure lives and properties.

“I commiserate with the Koro traditional council, the bereaved royal family, and the people of the Koro community over this huge loss.

“While we continue to pray for the safe rescue of the abductees, we ask the government and security operatives to be up and doing to ensure adequate security for the people in Kwara State.

“These criminals must be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The state chapter of the PDP has also condemned the gruesome killing of a revered traditional ruler and retired Army general, His Royal Highness, Oba Segun Aremu, the Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti Local Government Area, and the abduction of his wife and two family members by an unidentified gunman.

In a statement released by Mr Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the publicity secretary of the PDP, the party condoled with the people of the state.

“The gruesome killing of Oba Segun Aremu and the abduction of his wife and other family members by yet-to-be-identified gunmen show a deteriorating security situation in our state.

“The PDP is disheartened and shocked by this unfortunate incident and extends our heartfelt condolences to the Koro community, the Ekiti people, and the traditional institutions in the state.

“Our Party stands in solidarity with the Koro community at home and abroad at this difficult time and calls on security agencies to intensify efforts at rescuing those abducted unhurt from captivity while bringing the perpetrators of this dastard act to timely justice.

“While commiserating with the Koro people for the tragic loss of the king, we pray for the safe return of those abducted and commend the gallant officers who are deployed to comb the forests in search of those hostages.”