Breaking: Bandits attack, kidnap Ondo traditional ruler, four others

Armed bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, the Oniru of Iku, in Ondo.

The bandits also abducted four subjects travelling with the Ikare Akoko ruler.

Mikaila Bello, the Oniku of Iku in Ikare Akoko, was kidnapped, on Thursday evening, while travelling back to the town from Akure.

A local hunter told Peoples Gazette that the attack on the Ondo ruler occurred in the early hours of Friday.

According to the hunter, the bandits ambushed the ruler and the other victims along Ago Panu on the Owo-Ikare road.

“The driver of the vehicle was stabbed by the gunmen, but we were able to rescue him alone and rushed him to the hospital,” said the hunter, who also serves as a vigilante in the area. “He is there receiving treatment now with wounds all over his body. Sadly, these people (bandits) are still lurking around our forest in Ondo.”

The kidnappers had yet to contact the victims’ families or demand a ransom.

Police spokeswoman Funmilayo Odunlami did not immediately respond to The Gazette’s request on the attack.

The attack and kidnap came barely weeks after an armed gang attacked a construction company in Owo, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s hometown.