Kwara monarch dies days after release from kidnappers’ den

The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was freed from kidnappers who abducted him in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The traditional ruler was seized on August 22 after armed men reportedly invaded Igbesi community. He regained his freedom five days later when security operatives rescued him during an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.

News of the monarch’s death was announced on Saturday by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, who mourned the traditional ruler and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The development was also confirmed by one of the deceased monarch’s sons, Prince Olasunkanmi, who disclosed that his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.

Oba Iwedunmoye was among three kidnapping victims rescued by security personnel during the operation in the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area.

The rescue operation followed information received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante, who reported that one of his colleagues had suffered a gunshot wound while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the Oro Police Station led a joint team comprising police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.

The police said the suspected kidnappers engaged the advancing security personnel in a gun battle after sighting them. One of the suspected kidnappers was reportedly killed during the exchange of fire.

Other members of the gang fled into the surrounding area while the security team continued the pursuit, eventually locating the three abducted victims.

The rescued victims were subsequently taken away for medical treatment.

 

(PUNCH)