Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has expressed his outrage over the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Gunmen ambushed and fatally shot the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Olatunde Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, David Ogunsola, on Monday while they were returning from a security meeting in Irele-Ekiti. They were traveling in a vehicle driven by another monarch, the Alara of Ikole Ekiti, Adebayo Fatoba, who managed to escape the attack.
The chairman of the Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Michael Ogungbemi, confirmed the incident and said the attackers tried to kidnap the three traditional rulers.
A wave of insecurity
The killing of the monarchs is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have rocked Ekiti State in recent months, raising concerns about the security situation in the region.
Gunmen kidnapped a former agriculture commissioner, Folorunso Olabode, along with two others, and killed a local politician, Olatunji Omotosho, on the same road where the monarchs were attacked.
Unknown assailants abducted a prominent businessman, Sola Fatunla, and demanded a ransom of 60 million naira ($150,000) for his release.
Kidnappers targeted six pupils, three teachers, and a bus driver from a private school in Eporo-Ekiti, leading to public outrage and protests.
Government response
President Tinubu, hailing from the neighboring Lagos State, expressed sadness over the loss of the traditional rulers, whom he described as custodians of culture and peace in their communities.
He also said he had directed the security agencies to launch a manhunt for the killers and rescue the kidnapped pupils and teachers as soon as possible.
President Tinubu gave assurance to the people of Ekiti State and the entire country that his administration would actively work towards restoring peace and security despite the increasing threats posed by armed groups, bandits, and terrorists.
He urged the citizens to cooperate with the authorities and report any suspicious activities or movements to the nearest security outpost.
Despite the challenges, President Tinubu said he remained optimistic about the future of Nigeria and its potential for growth and development.
He said his government was working hard to improve the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and provide quality education and health care for all Nigerians.
Tinubu also expressed determination to promote unity and harmony among the diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural groups in the country, while respecting the rights and dignity of every citizen.
He appealed to the people to support his vision and join hands with him to build a prosperous and peaceful nation.
Source: Punch
