…. Unspecified number of school children kidnapped in Emure
By Afolabi Sunday
The relative peace enjoyed in Ekiti state was yesterday distrupted sending shock waves across Ekiti people as two traditional rulers were shot dead by some unknown gunmen between Oke – Ako and Ipao Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area.
The two monarchs killed are the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti in Oye Local Government, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti in Ajoni LCDA Area Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin.
However, the Alara of Ara -Ekiti also in Ikole Local Government Area escaped when the armed men accosted them and attempted to forcefully take them away.
According to eye witness, the traditional rulers were coming from a meeting when the incident happened.
“They were travelling together. The armed herdsmen stopped them and rained bullets on them. They took their personal belongings and dragged their bodies into the bush” one eye witness said.
He said further that the Alara of Ara Ekiti was lucky to escape after several shots where fired at him.
He said the attackers were armed Fulani men who have been operating in that area for the past five years.
In a swift reaction, the Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has condemned the attack on the traditional rulers and ordered the security agencies to go after them and ensure the perpetrators of this gruesome killings are brought to book.
The governor’s prompt reaction was contained in a statement signed by his Media aide, Mr Yinka Oyebode where he said security agents have been despatched to the area to fish out the perpetrators of the darstadly act.
The Governor who it was learnt, presided over the state security meeting barely one hour before the incident happened said no stone will be left unturned in the bid to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He expressed condolences of the state government and people of Ekiti to the people of Imojo and Esun Ekiti over the sad event.
In another ugly development yesterday, an unspecified number of school children were reportedly abducted by suspected kidnappers in Emure Ekiti.
According to eyewitness account, the Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School was on its way to Eporo Ekiti carrying the children when the incident happened although police at Emure division are yet to confirm the incident.
