Ondo Traditional Ruler Kidnapped

Armed men believed to be kidnappers have abducted the Oluyani of Iyani, Oba Joel Daodu, in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The traditional ruler was kidnapped on Owo- Ikare road in Ondo North senatorial district of Ondo State.

Oba Daodu was on his way from Oba-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area when he ran into the kidnappers.

The Owo-Ikare and Akure-Owo routes have become notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in the recent past.

The former Regent of Akungba, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon, Chief Olu Falae and many others have been kidnapped in the axis.

Also at the weekend, there was report of armed robbery incident on the Owo-Ikare Road despite the heavy presence of security agents.

It was learnt that the Oluyani, who lives in Akure, was kidnapped at the spot where Omosowon was abducted.

A family source, who confirmed the abduction of Oba Daodu, said the monarch went to Oba- Akoko to attend a social function on Saturday before he was abducted. According to the source, the monarch was driving alone in his car when he ran into the ambush of the suspected kidnappers and was taken into captivity.

The source said nobody could say exactly how the incident happened because the monarch was alone in the car. However, the source said the family suspected foul play when he did not return to Akure.

The source said the monarch had lodged one of his friends who came to visit him from Ogun State at a popular hotel in Alagbaka area of Akure and told him to wait until he returned from his trip to the northern part of the state.

Oba Daodu, it was learnt, 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 the delay. All the calls to his phone lines did not go through, leading to the suspicious of kidnapping.

The source added the suspected kidnappers had not made any contact with the family. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, who confirmed the kidnapping incident, said the police were already investigating Oba Daodu’s disappearance.

Joseph said the police were on the trail of the kidnappers and would rescue the monarch unhurt. He said no ransom had been demanded by the suspected kidnappers.