Kidnapped traditional ruler drinks from pond, asked to pray for captors
Just as the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, was trying to settle down to governance and improve the lot of the people, the crime situation in the state took an ugly dimension as hoodlums in different shades prowled on residents of the state. Apart from cases of robbery, killing and rape, kidnapping is also on the rise. Religious and traditional leaders are not spared, in fact, they seem to be ready targets.
Within the past two years, about four traditional rulers have been kidnapped while the wife of one was killed by kidnappers even after N3m was paid. Her corpse was dumped in a bush where it was discovered by security operatives.
The latest victim is Oba Sunday Joel Daodu, the Olujani of Iyani Akoko, who was kidnapped last Sunday on his way to Akure.
Narrating his ordeal after spending four days with the kidnappers, the traditional ruler said he was seized at 4.30pm that Sunday.
“I left home at about 4pm and was on my way to Akure when we suddenly ran into the kidnappers at a spot in ObaAKoko,” he said.
According to him, they first thought the attackers were armed robbers as they shot at them at close range, and were forced to stop. He said one shot the tyre of his car and dragged him and another traditional chief into the bush.
He said they marched into the bush and ordered them to keep moving, this they did for four days. Just like Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Oba Daodu said the only time they broke the journey was when the kidnappers wanted to rest.
“We drank water from ponds where cattle drank while we slept on rocks and were made to trek a long distance. Sometimes, we sat on rocks whenever the abductors wanted to rest, the type of thing I would not want even my worst enemy to pass through. I did not even know there was Easter,” he said.
He added that while the other captive interacted with the kidnappers, they told him they were forced to do the job because of the bad economic situation in the country.
Traditional rulers in the state have reportedly placed a curse on kidnappers, calling on God to intervene
“Their leader asked me to pray for him so that he could quit the job,” he said.
The oba called on the federal government to provide adequate security for traditional rulers in the country. While calling for recruitment of more people into the police for better security, he added that parents should instill good morals and discipline in their children and wards. N3m was paid before Oba Daodu was set free at Ogbese.
Reacting to the trend, traditional rulers in the state have reportedly placed a curse on kidnappers, calling on God to intervene.
The obas at a meeting condemned kidnapping and inhuman treatment meted to captives, including traditional rulers.
“It is a taboo for anybody to lay hands on traditional rulers, no matter how highly placed, talk less of kidnapping them. This is against tradition and whoever takes part in such will soon see the work of God. They will soon see the wrath of God,” the obas said.
It would be recalled that about four other traditional rulers including the regent of Akungba Akoko, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon, were recently kidnapped.
The princess was kidnapped along the same route about two years ago with others and other notable citizens whose families paid ransom to secure their release.
Governor Akeredolu has vowed to tackle the menace headlong, promising that youths would be taken from the streets into farming to curb social vices and restiveness.