Police intensify search for abducted Lagos monarch

Lagos State Police command yesterday reiterated that the kidnapped Oba of Iba land in Ojo area of Lagos, Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni, is safe and would soon be rescued alive.

Spokesperson of the police in Lagos, Dolapo Badmos, who spoke to The Guardian, noted that the police had been having sleepless nights following the kidnap of the monarch.According to Badmos, a Superintendent of Police, “we are closing in on the suspects and the monarch would be rescued alive. We cannot reveal our operational strategies to the public but what I can assure you is the king would be rescued alive.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, has appealed to the abductors to ensure safe release of the aged monarch, who was abducted by gunmen on Saturday night in his palace.

Adebule made the appeal today while addressing journalists on the ugly incident. She sounded optimistic that the monarch would be rescued soon and be re-united with his family and subjects.

“As custodians of traditional norms and institution, royal fathers deserve honour and respects from all citizens. This is why the state government is working hard with various security operatives to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted monarch. We appeal to his kidnappers to remember that the monarch has various duties to perform in ensuring peace and tranquility in the town.”

Adebule also urged law enforcement agencies to step up their duties and ensure that the monarch is rescued unhurt.The Guardian gathered that some traditional rulers and religious leaders have been visiting the family to offer spiritual advice. A red colour canopy has also been mounted inside the palace for the throng of sympathisers.

Members of the pan-Yoruba cultural organization, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in the area have also paid a commiseration visit to the palace. One of them, who asked not be named, said they came to commiserate with the family.

“The Oniba is our father. He has been a good king to all of us regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation. This is why we have mobilised ourselves to visit this place,” he said.On adopting a surveillance strategy, he said: “We have only come here to show empathy. To embark on what you just requested require the order of our leader. Without him, we can’t make any move.”