Segun Atanda/
President Bola Tinubu has vowed to capture those who slayed two monarchs in Ekiti and kidnapped pupils yesterday amid widespread condemnations.
Reports say five suspects have been held already.
Directing immediate rescue of the abducted school children, Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale stated: “It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.
“President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting, and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice.
“The President condoles with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the people of Ekiti State on this deeply agonizing development.
“In the same vein, the President directs the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped around Eporo-Ekiti area of the State.
“As security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the nation’s security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes.”
In his reaction, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, stated: “I was deeply saddened to receive the report of yesterday’s killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo- Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our condolences to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, the government and people of Ekiti State, especially the families and subjects of our departed kings.
“While I strongly condemn this unfortunate incident, I urge the security agencies to apprehend the assailants and ensure they face the full force of the law until justice is served.
“Additionally, I call on the Police high command and the Department of State Security to rescue the primary school pupils from Emure-Ekiti who were kidnapped on their way from school at Eporo-Ekiti.
“Undoubtedly, this is a distressing moment for the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians in general, but the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, will persist in its efforts to enhance the security situation in our country.”
Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also reacted in a statement: “It is with profound sadness and deep sorrow that I condemn the senseless killings of Kabiyesi Elesun of Esun Ekiti and Olumojo of Imojo Ekiti which occurred yesterday, Monday, January 29, 2024. I express my deepest condolences with the government and people of Ekiti State following this unfortunate incident. My heart aches for the families, friends, and communities affected by this appalling act of violence, as such acts of violence have no place in our society.
“The country has witnessed an upsurge in the activity of kidnappers since the start of the new year and Ekiti State which has been relatively peaceful also appears to be experiencing an increase in this heinous criminality. Whilst urging the security agencies to take decisive actions against these marauders, it is clear that we need an all of society approach in solving this national problem. I stand in solidarity with the government and people of Ekiti State in the efforts to rid the state of this menace even as I urge all our people to be more vigilant.
“I call on all security agencies to swiftly and thoroughly investigate this heinous crime and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Such acts of violence cannot be tolerated, and it is imperative that every effort is made to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“As we mourn the untimely passing of Kabiyesi Elesun and Olumojo, we must work together to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and respect for human life. Let us come together as a people to support one another and reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace, unity, and justice in Ekiti State and beyond.
“On behalf of my wife, Bisi and the rest of our family, we pray for strength and solace for the families of the victims, and may the Lord grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Amen!”
Meanwhile, five suspected kidnappers have reportedly been captured by security agents working with local hunters.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the Police, NSCDC, Amotekun, O.P.C, and local hunters launched an operation in areas such as Oke-Osun, Ikere/Igbo-Okah, and the dense forests near the Iju/Ikere boundary.
The team reportedly captured five suspected kidnappers identified as Usman Jelili, Mohammed Bande, Abubakar Aliu, Isah Abdullahi, and Suleiman Abdullahi.
According to the police, the suspects claimed to be herdsmen, but none of them was found with cattle, and no cattle were discovered in the forest where they were captured. The security agents claimed to have recovered two motorcycles, a cutlass, a jackknife/dagger, and four phones from the suspects.