The abducted wife of the late Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, Olori Iyabo Aremu, alongside another individual, have been successfully rescued, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into their disappearance. The development unfolded on Monday night when the victims were liberated and safely returned to Koro town, arriving around 10:45 pm.
Revealing these recent developments, Kwara State’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, relayed the information in an official statement issued on Tuesday. While the identity of the second rescued individual was not disclosed by the police spokesperson, reports indicate that the additional person released is the queen’s adopted daughter.
The rescue operation was the culmination of a collaborative effort involving operatives from various security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), police, military, vigilante groups, and local hunters. Their concerted efforts saw them combing the forested areas between Kwara and Ekiti States. This extensive search was instigated following the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who authorized the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance.
Detailing the operation’s success, Ejire-Adeyemi highlighted, “A joint operation comprising the Police, Military, D.S.S, Vigilante/Hunters who tirelessly combed the forest yielded positive results.” He further added, “This operation led to the successful rescue of the wife to the late monarch and one other at about 22:3 hours of 05/02/24. The rescued kidnap victims have been reunited with their families, hale and hearty.”
Furthermore, the statement outlined that the intensified investigation led to the apprehension of 13 male suspects who are currently in custody. These individuals are undergoing thorough interrogation to aid in the apprehension of other members associated with the abduction.
The queen’s abduction occurred on February 1 during a violent incursion into the palace, resulting in the tragic demise of the traditional ruler, a retired Army general. In a distressing turn of events, the abductors had initially demanded a ransom of N100 million from the monarch’s family. However, this amount was later reduced to N40 million for the release of both captives. The police authorities, however, remained silent regarding any ransom payments, leaving the matter of negotiation undisclosed.
