EKITI-Wednesday, 21 April 2021: The abducted Obadu of Ilemeso Ekiti in the Oye Local Government area of Ekiti State, Oba David Oyewumi, has been rescued from his kidnappers by the operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun.

The traditional ruler was kidnapped on Thursday by some gunmen, and the abductors are said to have demanded N20m ransom for his release.

A source disclosed to newsmen that the monarch had been rescued and taken for medical attention.

He said, “Kabiyesi has been released. We are happy about this, but I do not know whether any ransom was paid or not.”

Brig Gen. Joe Komolafe, the Ekiti Amotekun Corps Commander, confirmed that the Oba Oyewumi was rescued at Obbo Ile in Kwara State with the support of the vigilante members in Kwara State and Amotekun operatives.

The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, also revealed that  “The traditional ruler has been reunited with his family, though he is at present receiving treatment in hospital because of the trauma.”

The State Amotekun Corps Commander further revealed that Amotehun operatives had arrested 35-year-old Mohammed Bello, aka Yellow, who was alleged to be the mastermind of kidnapping in the Ilejemeje, Oye, Ikole areas of the state.

Komolafe said on Tuesday that the suspect was apprehended on his way from Ajase in Kwara State to Isan Ekiti in the Oye council area.

He boss said, “He (Bello) is the one giving information and directing kidnappers to their victims in the area.

“We have been looking for him since December 25 last year when he was fingered in the kidnap of a businessman, Happiness Ajayi, at Iludun Ekiti in the Ilejemeje council area on Christmas day.

“He was involved in the kidnap a fortnight ago of a petrol station manager at Isan Ekiti, as well that of the Obadu of Ilemeso Ekiti, Oba Oyewunmi on Thursday. He was arrested while returning to Isan Ekiti after the kidnap of the traditional ruler.”