Unknown Gunmen Murder Yet Another Oba In Kwara

Late Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole (retd)

The traditional ruler, Oba Segun Aremu-Cole, was killed by gunmen who stormed Koro town in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Thursday night.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Thursday invaded palace of the Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killed Oba Peter Segun Aremu, and kidnap his wife and two others.

According to reports, the gunmen broke into the monarch's palace at 7:00 p.m. and opened fire, striking the traditional ruler. 

The traditional ruler, who is believed to be a retired army general, was allegedly shot and killed in his palace on Thursday night by an unidentified assailant group who also took his wife and two other people.

Koro Ekiti shares boundary with Egbe, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The neighboring towns of Irele/Oke Ako/lpao/Oke Aiyedun and Ikole in Ekiti State are Koro in Kwara. These brothers, Kwara/Ekiti, are related by farm boundaries. These are the communities where two of the three traditional rulers were killed a few days ago after they were attacked. In recent years, it has grown to be the center of murders and kidnappings.

The state government verified the incident.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdul Razaq was sent a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) characterizing the incident as heinous, shocking, and reckless.

The governor of Kwara, who also serves as the Nigeria Governors Forum chairman, condemned the assassination of the Ekiti monarch and the kidnapping of his spouse and two other people.

Further, he instructed the security services to use all available means to find the perpetrators, rescue the spouse and any other people who had been held captive, and prosecute them. The governor expressed his sincere condolences to the people of Koro and said, “We will certainly get the perpetrators and ensure that this is their last crime against humanity,” the governor said, adding, “My profound condolences go to the people of Koro. Our hearts are broken, and we stand by them at this time and always.”

Mr. Victor Olaiya, the state commissioner of police, who also confirmed the incident early on Friday morning, promised that the Kwara State Police would act quickly.

“Immediate and intensive investigations are underway to apprehend those criminals for this reprehensible act. We assure the public that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly.

“Security measures in the Koro community have been intensified, tactical teams are being mobilized to beef up security to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.”

The CP asked the public to maintain their composure, vigilance, and cooperation, “as we work tirelessly to unravel this matter; arrest and charge the culprits to court. The Kwara State Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.” This was stated in a statement made by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi. The protection of people and property is still the top priority for the Kwara State Police Force.

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“It is with deep sorrow that I confirm the unfortunate incident that unfolded today in Koro, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Gunmen invaded the palace of the Onikoro, Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole resulting in the tragic loss of his life and the abduction of his wife and one other.

“The Kwara State Police Command, under the leadership of The Commissioner of Police CP Victor OLAIYA, expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the entire community affected by this heinous act. Our prayers are with them during this challenging time.”