Police Apprehend Five Suspected Kidnappers in Ekiti State Bush Following Abduction of Pupils, Killing of Monarchs

In the aftermath of the distressing incidents involving the abduction of pupils and the tragic killing of traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the police have made significant strides in their efforts to tackle criminal elements.

A joint operation comprising the police, NSCDC, Amotekun, O.P.C, and local hunters led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Usman Jelili, Mohammed Bande, Abubakar Aliu, Isah Abdulahi, and Suleiman Abdulahi. The suspects were apprehended in a bush near the Iju/Ikere boundary.

A police statement revealed, “In a bid to flush out criminal elements, especially kidnappers, a combined team embarked on a bush combing operation through Oke-Osun, Ikere/Igbo-Okah to the thick forest around Iju/Ikere boundary.”

During interrogation, the arrested individuals claimed to be herdsmen; however, it was discovered that none of them had cattle, and no cattle were found in the forest where they were apprehended.

The arrests occurred shortly after the state government confirmed a bandit attack resulting in the abduction of students, teachers, and a driver in the Emure-Ekiti area. The victims were reportedly taken while on their way to Eporo Ekiti after school hours.

Residents of the affected areas expressed panic, urging security agencies for increased protection. In a related incident, Oke-Ako in the Ikole Local Government Area witnessed a suspected terrorist attack, resulting in the tragic killing of two traditional rulers.

The Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola, lost their lives in an ambush, while a third traditional ruler, Alara of Ara–Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, narrowly escaped.

In response, the state police command labeled the incident a “suspected case of murder” and deployed Tactical and Intelligence teams to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.