Officers of the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have launched a manhunt for the abductors of Oba Abiodun Zachaus Oyewumi.
Oba Oyewumi is the traditional ruler of Laragusin of Iyansan in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The monarch was abducted from his palace on Monday, according to official reports.
Femi Joseph, the Spokesman of the Command confirmed these details to SaharaReporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday evening.
Mr. Joseph, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said that a combined team of the Joint Security Task Force in the town has begun a “search process” for the abducted king.
He told our correspondent on the phone that security has also been beefed along all the boundaries of the town for the rescue of the notable traditional ruler.
“We’ll also ensure the abducted monarch is rescued unhurt,” he vowed.
SaharaReporters learnt that heavily armed men stormed the sleepy town of Irele and abducted Oba Oyewumi at his palace after stealing the personal belongings of occupants and residents.
Reports say the gun-wielding men snuck into the town through the coastal base of River Owena which is between Ondo and Edo States.
Mothers and relatives of notable politicians in the State mostly in the coastal areas had been abducted through the same boundary in the past years.
SaharaReporters sources in the town disclosed that the hoodlums were suspected to be 'aired militants' operating in the creeks of the coastal areas of the State.
Other sources from the Jegun ruling family in Irele town told SaharaReporters that the kidnappers whisked the ailing traditional ruler to an unknown destination.
“We have already informed security agencies in the Directorate of State Security Services and the police with other authorities to help rescue the ailing monarch.”
One of the sources added that the kidnappers numbering about ten have not contacted anyone in the family for a ransom.
