The Kwara State Police Command has initiated a manhunt for the murders of Koro Ekiti monarch, Oba Segun Aremu, in the state’s Ekiti local government area.
According to Platinum Times, gunmen assassinated Oba Aremu on Thursday night in his palace in Koro Ekiti, and also kidnapped his wife and two others.
Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the state police command’s spokeswoman, confirmed the Oba Aremu’s death and the kidnapping of two others in a statement issued late Thursday.
“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm the unfortunate incident that unfolded today (Thursday) in Koro, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Gunmen invaded the palace of the Onikoro, Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole resulting in the tragic loss of his life and the abduction of his wife and one other,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
She added:
”Immediate and intensive investigations are underway to apprehend those criminals for this reprehensible act. We assure the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly.
“Security measures in the koro community have been intensified, tactical teams are being mobilized to beef up security to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
“The CP has urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative as we work tirelessly to unravel this matter; arrest and charge the culprits to court. The Kwara State Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”
Meanwhile, the speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, and the Emir of Ilorin and chairman of Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, have condemned the killing of Olukoro of Koro Ekiti.
The speaker and the Emir in separate statements described the incident as worrisome and unfortunate.
The speaker in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Sheu Yusuf, described the killing of Olukoro as nefarious and charged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted wife of the deceased and two others.
“The heinous killing of our revered monarch, HRH Segun Aremu, the Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti local government area has left us all dejected and we strongly condemn it. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of the deceased.
“This despicable act would not go unchecked, I, therefore called on the security agencies to do everything possible to track down the culprits of this condemnable act and also ensure the release of the abducted monarch’s wife and the two others who were also kidnapped during the incident,” Danladi-Salihu said.
He commended the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for giving a marching order to the security agencies to comb the nooks and cranny of the state to secure the release of the abductees and pledged the legislative support of the Kwara Assembly in every step taken by the government to ensure the safety of citizens life and property.
For his part, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Mal. Abdulazeez Arowona, also condemned the gruesome murder of Oba Aremu and the abduction of his wife and two others.
Sulu-Gambari appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts towards the protection of lives and property in the state.
He expressed the condolences of the entire members of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council to the people of Koro community, indigenes of Ekiti local government area, Government and people of Kwara State over the sad incidence.