President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti state on Monday.
In a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesperson, Tinubu described the incident as “mindless and brutal”.
“It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola,” the statement said.
“President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting, and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice.
“The President condoles with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the people of Ekiti State on this deeply agonizing development.
“In the same vein, the President directs the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped around Eporo-Ekiti area of the State.
“As security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the nation’s security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes.”
In the same vein, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has condemned the brutal killing of the tow monarchs.
Alake who hails from the state called on security agencies to rescue school children kidnapped in another part of the state in a statement he personally signed.
The statement in full:
KILLERS OF EKITI MONARCHS AND KIDNAPPERS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN EMURE-EKITI MUST FACE JUSTICE*
I received with deep sadness the report of yesterday’s killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo- Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.
These two traditional rulers, according to media reports, were gruesomely murdered by their assailants while returning from a security meeting.
The tragic incident, again, speaks to the challenges of insecurity in our country, which the President Tinubu-led administration is working very hard to surmount.
On behalf of my family, I send our condolences to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji; the government and people of Ekiti State, especially the families and subjects of our departed kings.
While i strongly condemn this unfortunate incident, i urge the security agencies to fish out the assailants and ensure they face the full wrath of the law until justice is served.
In the same vein, i call on the Police high command and the Department of State Security to rescue the primary school pupils from Emure-Ekiti that were kidnapped on their way from school at Eporo-Ekiti.
There is no doubt that this is a very distressing moment for the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians in general, but the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu will continue to work very hard to improve security situation in our country.
Dr. Oladele Alake
Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals
January 30, 2024.