‘I Came Back To Palace In Knicker And Singlet’…. Kidnapped Monarch Narrates Ordeal After Release

Three weeks after the traditional ruler, Oniba of Iba, Oba Yushau Oseni was kidnapped from his palace, the monarch has narrated how he regained freedom from his captives. It will be recalled that the 73 year old monarch was abducted by gunmen on Saturday, July 16, 2016, killing at least three persons including, Palace Security Guide, 72 year old, Sunday Okonlanwo. The oba’s wife, fondly called Iya Jelilat, who also sustained gunshot during the encounter was discharged from the hospital. The kidnappers subsequently, contacted the family and demanded for N500 Million ransom for the release of the kidnapped monarch. The monarch narrated his ordeal thus: “I thank God for sparing my life in the hands of the kidnappers. “My family indeed paid ransom to the kidnappers but I don’t know the exact amount. “I was released at about 7.45 pm, on Saturday. They left me alone in a canoe in one of the creeks. Because I know how to paddle a canoe, I was able to navigate my way to Iba area. “Haven paddled for awhile on the water, I saw a man standing by the bank who told me I was in Iba and from there I located my way back to the palace in nicker and singlet.” When asked I how he was treated, Oseni said,” i was well treated and fed.” Meanwhile, the palace which had been turned into a “Mecca” of sort , as well wishers continue to throng the place. Family members have also engaged in series of prayer sessions, in gratirude to God for safe return of the monarch. A family source who preferred anonimity, claimed the state government did not assist withe payment of ransom running into several millions. It was also gathered that the monarch suspected an insiders’ link with the kidnap saga as there are acrimony between him and some people of the community over certain issues.