Captured Ekiti monarch regains freedom

The Eleda of Eda-Ile in Ekiti East local government area of Ekiti State, Oba Benjamin Osho who was kidnapped by gunmen last week, has been set free.

He was kidnapped while working on his farm in the community last Thursday and taken to an unknown destination.

The gunmen had earlier demanded N20 million ransom which the family said was on the high side and pleaded for a reduction.

According to a source in the palace, Oba Osho was released late on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at a bush in a neighbouring community.

“Yes, Kabiyesi has been freed on Sunday night by the gunmen after the family paid about N2 million from the N20 million initially demanded by the gunmen. The money was raised by many people and I have someone who contributed to it.

“As I speak with you now, he is receiving medical attention at a popular private hospital in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital,” he said.

The Ekiti State Police Spokesman, ASP Sunday Abutu, stated that the traditional ruler has indeed been released.