Armed assailants have perpetrated a heinous act, shooting retired army general Segun Aremu, who held the esteemed title of Olukoro of Koro, a traditional ruler in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The attack occurred on Thursday night when the assailants forcefully entered the palace, also abducting his wife and another individual.
Details regarding the identity and motives of the gunmen remain unclear, leaving authorities puzzled as to whether a ransom is being demanded for the release of the abducted individuals. This tragic incident further exacerbates the security challenges in the region, prompting recent calls for a state of emergency.
Approximately 50 civil society groups, comprising campaigners, have urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency due to the alarming surge in abductions, surpassing 1,800 cases since May. The demand for decisive action comes amid heightened insecurity, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state expressed outrage over the killing of Olukoro of Koro, condemning the act as “reckless, shocking, and abominable.” He assured the public that authorities are committed to apprehending the perpetrators, with an ongoing manhunt led by the police.
This distressing incident adds to a series of recent abductions in the region, including the kidnapping of five schoolchildren and four teachers in Ekiti state earlier in the week, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of 100 million naira ($110,000; £87,500) for their safe release. Additionally, a senior government official was kidnapped in the Bwari suburb of Abuja, highlighting the alarming trend of criminal activities encroaching upon urban areas.
The grim reality of kidnapping for ransom has intensified in Nigeria, with armed gangs targeting various demographics, including road travelers, students, and residents in both rural and urban settings. The urgency to address this growing threat has reached a critical point, necessitating swift and comprehensive measures to safeguard the lives and security of the nation’s citizens.