In the wake of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of two traditional rulers in Ekiti state, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, the Alara of Ara-Ekiti, provides a chilling firsthand account of his escape from a deadly ambush by Fulani kidnappers.
The survivors’ narrative unveils a tale of courage, desperation, and the devastating toll of insecurity in the region.
The monarch said the ordeal began with a security meeting organized by the local government to address the increasing threats posed by Fulani invaders across 25 communities in Ikole Local Government.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Oba Fatoba said he took the helm as chairman, leading a security committee aimed at combating the growing insecurity in Ikole Ekiti.
According to Oba Fatoba, the grim reality of the Fulani menace came to the forefront when the invaders targeted Ayebode and Ayedun communities, resulting in the tragic loss of a life.
He added that a fellow monarch, aware of the impending danger, contacted him, saying, he promised to join the fight against the assailants.
Narrating further m, he said as he and his colleagues, including the late Oba David Ogunsakin and Oba Olatunde Olusola, set out for a meeting in Irele-Ekiti, the unexpected unfolded.
He disclosed that the ambush occurred in the evening, with the attackers wielding an arsenal of weapons, including a big stick, cutlass, AK Pump Action, and a locally made cartridge.
He said despite the language barrier, his quick thinking and physical resilience enabled him to thwart the assailants’ initial attempts.
Engaging in a life-and-death struggle, the Alara of Ara-Ekiti said he managed to escape the clutches of his attackers, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.
Contrary to rumours circulating about his disappearance, Oba Fatoba clarifies that he sought refuge with local security personnel.
He said, shockingly, the overwhelmed security forces failed to intervene, leaving the him to navigate the danger alone.
He also explained that the attackers diverted their attention from his driver to him after collecting the car key from him sparing him from further harm.
PLATFORM TIMES observed that as the survivor recounts the heart-wrenching moment, it becomes clear that divine intervention played a crucial role in sparing Oba Fatoba from the assailants’ bullets and cutlasses.
However, the tragic aftermath unfolded as he looked back to witness the fall of his esteemed colleagues.
The devastating loss of Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, and Oba Olatunde Olusola, the Onimojo of Omojola-Ekiti, sends shockwaves through the community.
PLATFORM TIMES observed that the survivor’s account serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures in regions grappling with the menace of Fulani invasions, emphasizing the vulnerability of traditional rulers and the imperative for collective efforts to curb rising insecurity in Ekiti state.
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
