Nigerian Traditional Ruler Murdered and Wife Abducted, Segun Aremu Tragically Falls Victim

Authorities in south-western Nigeria have reported that armed men have killed a traditional ruler and kidnapped his wife and one other person. The incident took place on Thursday night when the attackers stormed the palace of Segun Aremu, a retired army general and monarch known as the Olukoro of Koro. It remains unclear who the gunmen were and whether they are demanding a ransom. This incident comes after civil society groups demanded a state of emergency to address the alarming increase in kidnappings in the country. Campaigners claim that over 1,800 people have been abducted since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May last year. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has condemned the killing and pledged to bring the culprits to justice. Police are currently conducting a manhunt. Other recent incidents of kidnapping include the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ekiti state, the kidnapping of a senior government official in Abuja, and the abduction of two girls in the Chikakorie area of Kubwa. Kidnapping for ransom has become widespread in Nigeria, with armed gangs targeting road travelers, students, and residents across the country.