Tension has gripped Irele and Ijowa in Ajoni LCDA of Ekiti State after armed bandits laid siege to the communities, killing an elderly woman and abducting several residents.
The attackers reportedly held the area hostage for over 11 days, kidnapping at least five persons and demanding heavy ransoms. Farming and local trade have been disrupted as fear spreads among residents.
The Akogun of Irele Kingdom, High Chief Kehinde Abejide, said the crisis began with the abduction of a farmer, whose captors demanded ₦10 million. He also confirmed the killing of a woman abducted alongside her son, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Ikole-Ekiti.
The traditional leader appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and security agencies to urgently restore order, warning that the situation is deteriorating despite previous intervention by the Nigerian Army.
