The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was released from kidnappers who abducted him in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The monarch reportedly died early Saturday following a brief illness after his release from captivity.
A son of the deceased, Prince Olasunkanmi, confirmed the development, saying the traditional ruler was taken to hospital after falling ill, but could not survive.
“The news of the monarch’s death is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.
The monarch was abducted on August 22 when gunmen invaded his community in Isin Local Government Area.
He was reportedly taken away alongside two other victims during the attack, heightening concerns over the security situation in the area.
Five days after the abduction, the monarch and the other victims regained their freedom during a security operation in the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.
The police said the operation followed intelligence received at the Oro Police Station concerning an injured vigilante member who had been shot in the hand while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
The police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Divisional Police Officer, Oro Police Station, led a combined team of police operatives, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.
According to her, the security team encountered the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
“On sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire during which one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, forcing the remaining members of the gang to flee into the surrounding terrain,” she said.
The operation subsequently led to the rescue of the monarch and the other kidnap victims.
However, days after his release, the traditional ruler reportedly developed health complications and was admitted to hospital.
His death has cast a fresh spotlight on the physical and emotional toll of kidnapping on victims, even after they regain their freedom.
The circumstances surrounding the monarch’s illness and death were not immediately disclosed by the family or security authorities.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
