The kidnapped Lagos State Traditional Ruler, Oba Goriola Osenim who was abducted on July 16, has been rescued alive.
This was made known by the Lagos state Governor, Akinwumi Ambode in a series of tweets on Sunday.
According to the Governor, the Oniba of Iba Land is healthy and has returned to his palace.
Gunmen had stormed the palace of the Yoruba monarch around 11:30pm on July 16 and forcefully took him away, killing his guard and shooting one of his wives.
A combined team of different security agencies were immediately dispatched to effect his rescue.
Governor Ambode commended the Inspector General of Police’s Special Taskforce and all the security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of Oniba of Iba.
He added that “Two of the suspected kidnappers have been arrested & investigations are ongoing to fish out other criminal elements.
“We wish to assure Lagosians that security is our top priority, we’ll not relent in ensuring that Lagos remains safe,” the Governor said.
Ambode stated that “The kidnap of an Oba is a sacrilege in Yoruba land. We cherish our Yoruba tradition and will always uphold it.
“We will flush out militants and criminals who have been terrorizing our riverine communities.”
He expressed gratitude to all “our security agencies for the ongoing Operation Awatse which is yielding great result,” he said
Operation Awatse is the codename for the efforts by the Nigerian Navy in conjunction with other security agencies to rid Lagos State of Pipeline vandals and Militants
Governor Ambode also encouraged all Lagos state citizens “to remain vigilant and take advantage of our emergency numbers – 112 and 767.”
ICIR member:
