The abducted wife of the late Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, Olori Iyabo Aremu, along with her adopted daughter, Feranmi, have been successfully rescued,Daily Trust reports.
According to reports, the captives were freed on Monday night and safely arrived in Koro town around 10:45 pm following a joint operation by security forces who raided the kidnappers’ hideout within the forest.
This rescue mission ensued after negotiations reduced the initial ransom demand of N100 million to N40 million by the perpetrators.
Local sources also mentioned that several individuals, including the intermediary for the ransom payment, were apprehended during the operation, which spanned hours.
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The Asiwaju of Koro, Chief Ayobola Samuel, expressed gratitude, stating, “Olori and the girl (Feranmi) have been released and returned to Koro late Monday. To God be the glory.”
Additionally, Chief Kayode Kehinde Bayode, the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) chairman of the council, corroborated the news, adding that further details would be provided by the police.
In a statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, around 6:00 am on Tuesday, it was disclosed that 13 suspects were arrested during the rescue operation, which involved the deployment of a helicopter from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The joint operation, comprising the police, military, DSS, vigilante, and hunters, successfully combed the forest area, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims and the arrest of the suspects.
Toun emphasized that the Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face justice, urging the public to remain calm and vigilant.
The late Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, a retired General, was tragically assassinated by gunmen at his palace on Thursday night, during which his wife and Feranmi were abducted and taken into the forest amidst heavy gunfire.
