The Oniku of Iku, in Ondo State, has been abducted by armed bandits while embarking on a journey in the State.
Four other subjects were abducted alongside the Ondo traditional ruler.
Mikaila Bello, the Oniku of Iku in Ikare Akoko, was kidnapped, on Thursday evening travelling back to the town from Akure.
A source told newsmen that the bandits ambushed the ruler and the other victims along Ago Panu on the Owo-Ikare road.
“The driver of the vehicle was stabbed by the gunmen, but we were able to rescue him alone and rushed him to the hospital,” said the hunter, who also serves as a vigilante in the area.
“He is there receiving treatment now with wounds all over his body. Sadly, these people (bandits) are still lurking around our forest in Ondo.”
The kidnappers had yet to contact the victims’ families or demand a ransom at the time of filing this report.
Attempts to speak with the Ondo state Police spokeswoman Funmilayo Odunlami didn’t yield any positive result.
TNG reports Ondo state has come under incessant attacks in recent times. Iku in Ikare Akoko is about 47 kilometres, 1 hour drive from Owo, where terrorists recently unleashed mayhem on worshippers at St Francis Catholic church.
Also recently, another attack by suspected terrorists occurred at a construction company site in same Owo.
It was not immediately clear the connections of the security infringements in the area.
The State Government and security agencies are yet to release official statements on the recent incident.