JUST-IN: Gunmen Kidnap Ondo Traditional Ruler, 3 Others

A traditional ruler of the Iku quarters, the Oniku of Iku, in Ikare Akoko area of Ondo State, High Chief Mukaila Bello, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

Iku area of Ikare is popular for hosting Awara Dam and Ikare Stadium, among other popular symbols.

Abducted alongside the traditional ruler, according to a source, were Mr Adeniran Adeyemo, Mr Bashiru Adekile and Chief Gbafinro.

LEADERSHIP learnt that the victims were abducted on Thursday evening at Ago Panu axis of Owo-Ikare Road, on their way from Akure to Ikare.

It was learnt that the driver of their car was shot by the assailants and was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Owo town.

The kidnappers were yet to contact the families of the victims at the time of this report, but a family member of one of the victims confirmed the incident to journalists in Akure, the state capital.

Also, confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmilayo Odunlami, said the Command received a distress call at about 6:30pm on Thursday about the incident.

Odunlami said the incident happened around Ago Yeye, along Owo-Ikare Road of the State, adding that efforts were ongoing by a joint security team to rescue the kidnap victims and arrest the kidnappers.

She said, “Gunmen shot at one Toyota Corolla car with REG. NO. KAK 818 AE, while on the motion. The bullet hit the driver on the head and the vehicle came to a halt, the other occupants numbering about 4 (identities unknown) were whisked into the bush while the driver was abandoned.

“The police have recovered the vehicle while the driver was taken to the hospital. The driver is currently in a stable condition while the police, local hunters and vigilante in the area are combing the bush for the  rescue of the victims and arrest of the assailants.”