Gunmen Shoot Ekiti Monarch During Failed Abduction Attempt

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have shot a monarch, the Atah of Ayede Ekiti, Oba Abdul Mumini Adebayo Orishagbemi while trying to abduct him.

The incident reportedly occurred when the traditional ruler was returning from Ijero Ekiti.

His attackers had laid an ambush around Isan and Iludun, in Ilejemeje LGA of Ekiti state at about 9pm on Sunday night, February 27.

Media and publicity consultant to the monarch, Bashir Adefaka, said the traditional ruler who was shot in the leg was rushed to a specialist hospital in Oye Ekiti hospital and was responding to treatment.

According to him: “The Attah and Paramount Ruler of Aiyede Kingdom, Ekiti State, South West Nigeria, His Royal Majesty Oba Alhaji Abdul Mumini Adebayo Orishagbemi, was Sunday night at about 9.30pm attacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers,” the statement reads.

“Kabiyesi, whose security guards provided by Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were withdrawn recently for no given reason, was returning Ijero Ekiti when he got accosted by the criminal elements, on a spot at between Isan and Iludun, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state.

“The gunmen opened fire on SUV car during which one of the bullets that penetrated from the owner’s side of the vehicle hit the Kabiyesi on his left leg. He was rushed to a specialist hospital in Oye, Oye Ekiti Local Government and is now responding to treatment. Good news, apart from his life being saved, is also that no other member of his entourage got hurt. “

The spokesperson of State Police Command, ASP Sunday Abutu also confirmed the incident and explained that the command was making efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.