Six Days In Captivity Oba Regain Freedom

The Ondo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr. Femi Joseph, who confirmed the release of the Ondo monarch, said Oba Abiodun Oyewumi was rescued by the men of the command in Gbelegun town, Edo State, on Saturday.

The monarch of Iyasan community in the Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Abiodun Oyewumi, has regained his freedom after six days in captivity.

Similarly, a Kano-based Catholic priest, Rev. Julius Gospel, who was abducted by gunmen about 30 days ago, had also been released by his captors.

Mr Femi Joseph, said, “The monarch was released on Saturday night in Gbelegun town, Edo State. The abductors ran away when they discovered that our men were closing in on them.”

The PPRO, who commended the efforts of the marine police and men of the anti-kidnap section of the command and other security agencies in the state, added that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

Joseph also said the traditional ruler was hale and hearty.

He, however, said no arrest had been made, adding that the police were on the trail of the kidnappers.

In the Kano incident, the release of the Catholic priest was announced by the officiating priest at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Cathedral, Kano, on Sunday, during mass.

However, the officiating priest was silent on whether a ransom was paid to the kidnappers or not. He did not also state how Gospel regained his freedom.

Gospel, who was is in charge of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Jitan-Dutse, Tudun Wada LGA, Kano, was kidnapped on the church’s premises.

Efforts to reach the Catholic bishop of Kano diocese, Rev. John Niyiring, to react to the development, were not successful.