Monarch Kidnapped By Gunmen

According to the Nation, Gunmen have reportedly abducted the traditional ruler of Oporomor Kingdom in Ekeremor, Bayelsa State, His Royal Majesty, Augustine Ebikeme.

The Nation reports that the monarch was kidnapped on Sunday at Kokori community, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The traditional ruler was reportedly whisked away to an unknown destination while returning to his kingdom from an engagement.

Reacting to the incident, Youths under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, condemned the monarch’s abduction.

IYC demanded for the monarch’s immediate and unconditional release, adding that the kidnapping of Ebikeme popularly known as Pere Ekere was an attack on the entire Ijaw nation.

“We regard the kidnap of Pere Ekere, who is not just a traditional ruler but a spiritual leader to the Ijaw people as an attack on the entire Ijaw nation,” Omare said.

The IYC spokesman warned that if the abductors of Pere Ekere refuse to release him immediately, the Ijaw youths would be compelled to invade Kokori Community and secure his release themselves.

“The kidnap of Pere Ekere is a joke taken too far and the IYC would not tolerate it. In order to take steps towards the release of Pere Ekere, the IYC would hold an emergency national congress at Olabrakopre Community, Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri, Delta State, on November 21. The congress would be attended by Ijaw Youths all over the nation where decisions on practical steps to release the monarch are expected to be taken,” he said.

It would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly backed off from the commissioning of the $16 billion Delta Gas City project in Delta State following threats from the Ijaw of Gbaramatu kingdom to unleash violence if he does.