Tension in Ekiti as gunmen shoot monarch

There was palpable tension in Ekiti on Friday as gunmen suspected to be kidnappers shot the Elewu of Ewu Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government, Oba Adetutu Ajayi.

Oba Ajayi narrowly escaped death as the gunmen riddled his official car with bullets after he ran into an ambush on his way to Ayetoro-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government area of the state.

A source said the monarch tried to manoeuvre his way out of the ambush and was subsequently shot in the legs, arms and stomach before he could escape.

The traditional ruler is currently receiving treatment in a tertiary hospital in the state.

The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Abutu, while confirming the incident, regretted that the incident happened in spite of the rigorous joint patrol by the police, Amotekun Corps, vigilance groups, local hunters, chiefs, drivers’ unions, motorcycle riders, farmers and other stakeholders across the 16 local government areas.

“The operation was aimed at dislodging and apprehending the miscreants in their hideouts as directed by the Commissioner of Police.

“But some unknown gunmen mischievously defied the operation, came out and attacked the Elewu of Ewu, Oba Adetutu Ajayi while he was on transit between Ewu-Ekiti and Ayetoro-Ekiti at about 1900hrs,” Abutu stated.

The police spokesman however said the Commissioner of Poilice, Tunde Mobayo, has assured the public that the perpetrators will be brought to book as the spirits of officers of the command and other supporting agencies and groups remain high in their quest to rid the state of bandits.

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