Gunmen invade palace, abduct traditional ruler in Ondo

Clement Olukotun, a traditional ruler of Oso Ajowa-Akoko, Akoko north-west LGA of Ondo state, has been abducted by gunmen.

The monarch was reportedly abducted on Thursday night.

The armed men were said to have invaded the residence and shot sporadically to frighten locals before whisking the monarch away.

Funmilayo Odunlami, police public relations officer in Ondo, confirmed the development to TheCable on Friday.

She said officers have been dispatched to the area to rescue the monarch.

“Our policemen are already there. We are working in collaboration with the community members and other agencies to ensure the victim is released unhurt and also arrest the perpetrators,” she said.

The development comes days after gunmen killed two security guards in separate attacks in Ikare Akoko, Akoko north-east LGA of Ondo state.

The guards were killed when the gunmen attacked Mimiko market and NASFAT school.

The latest kidnapping adds to the growing number of traditional rulers who are being targeted by gunmen across the country.

In September, Eze Ndenkwo, a monarch in Imo, was kidnapped by gunmen at his company in Owerri, the state capital.