Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-02 15:56:46
Armed assailants have reportedly shot a traditional ruler and kidnapped his wife and another person in the southwestern region of Nigeria. The victim, Segun Aremu, is a retired army general and monarch with the esteemed title of Olukoro of Koro. The incident occurred on Thursday night when the assailants forcibly entered the palace.
Details regarding the identity and motives of the gunmen remain unclear, leaving authorities uncertain about whether a ransom is being demanded for the release of the abducted individuals. This tragic event comes amidst mounting calls for a state of emergency to address the escalating security challenges in the region.
Approximately 50 civil society groups have urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency, citing a concerning surge in abductions which has surpassed 1,800 cases since he assumed office in May. The demand for decisive action reflects the heightened insecurity and emphasizes the urgent need for intervention.
Following the killing of the Olukoro of Koro in Kwara state, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned 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 is just one in a series of recent abductions in the region. Earlier in the week, kidnappers seized five schoolchildren and four teachers in Ekiti state, 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, mirroring the alarming trend of criminal activities encroaching upon urban areas.
The prevalence 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 urgent need to address this growing threat has reached a critical point, requiring swift and comprehensive measures to safeguard the lives and security of the nation’s citizens.
The grim reality of the situation has prompted campaigners to call for immediate action and intervention to quell the rising tide of criminal activity. The urgency of the matter has prompted citizens to look to the government for decisive and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of the population.
The situation has attracted attention from international news sources, with BBC reporting on the distressing incident. The ongoing crisis in the southwestern region of Nigeria has sparked concerns both domestically and abroad, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for swift and decisive action to address the security challenges facing the nation.
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