His Royal Highness Friday Ehizojie, the Onojie of Udo-Eguare in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen.
The monarch was reportedly kidnapped in a forested area between Ubiaja, near Rest House Junction, and the Udo community.
Sources revealed that the attackers ambushed him, fatally shooting a motorcycle rider before seizing the traditional ruler.
In addition to the Onojie, five other individuals were reportedly abducted, though one of the victims managed to escape from captivity.
Edo State Police Command spokesperson Moses Yama confirmed the incident, stating that the police received a report regarding the abduction of several persons, including the monarch and a 21-year-old man.
According to Yamu, “The Onojie was a passenger on a motorcycle travelling along an isolated route to the community when they were ambushed by unknown assailants.
“The motorcycle rider was shot dead, and the traditional ruler was taken away.”
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units, including the Police Mobile force, to the area to secure the release of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Area Commander is reportedly overseeing the operation directly under the commissioner’s directive.
