The Guardian gathered that the bandits, whose numbers are unknown, stormed the ancient town around 10:30p.m. on Monday night and headed straight to the palace where they operated for about 30 minutes unhindered.
A source in Iyansan Town, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the suspected kidnappers invaded the town through Owena River, which serves as boundary between Ondo and Edo states.
The Chairman of Irele Local Council, Mr. Sanmi Elumaro, who confirmed the incident, said the kidnappers numbering about 10 came into the town through the waterways and headed to the palace.
According to him, the kidnappers were armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons and no resident could challenge them until they finished their operations and whisked the monarch away.
Elumaro mentioned that he could not say whether the abduction could be linked to the prolonged chieftaincy dispute in the town, though he stated further that the monarch was properly installed as the monarch despite the legal tussle over the throne.
The council boss said the Navy and the Police in the riverine areas have been on the trail of the suspected kidnappers through a joint task operation.
They affirmed that the kidnappers have not contacted the family members for ransom, hence leaving the family, entire community and security operatives oblivious of the motive behind the crime.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Femi Joseph, confirmed the abduction and revealed that investigation had begun to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.He gave the assurance that security operatives would clamp down on the culprits as soon as possible.
Source: The Guardian
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