Newsbreak: Armed men kidnap Igbo leader in Ondo State
By Kunle Ojo, Akure
A prominent Igbo leader in Ondo State, Chief Donatus Okereke has been kidnapped at gun point.
Irohinoodua heard that armed men numbering about seven attacked Chief Okereke after shooting into the air to scare locals.
Okereke is one of the richest in the community and he is said to enjoy the affection of indigenous people in the area.
The incidence took place at Ifon, the exact town where the community-s traditional ruler was shot dead by suspected armed herdsmen last year.
Oba Israel Adeusi, the traditional ruler of Ifon was killed by suspected herdsmen on his way from Akure to his country home.
Chief Okereke is the Eze Ndigbo of Ifon.
“We condemn this criminal act. Its strange to Yoruba culture. Chief Okereke is one of us. Attack on him is an attack on Yoruba values and culture. This is the handiwork of armed herdsmen operating in this area.” an official of Oodua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC) Mr Saliu Olatunji told our correspondent.
In his reaction, the representative of the town’s regent, Mr Olaniyi Olotu said Okereke has distinguished himself as a man of honour who have lived among the Ifon people with exceptional character.
The Police Chief Image maker, Funmilayo Odunlami said it was a case of kidnapping. He said Okereke’s car was found in the middle of the road. He said security operatives have been deployed to arrest the suspects.