Some traditional rulers from across the country have appealed to state and local government authorities to improve on security around communities and palaces to forestall kidnappings of their members.
They spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following the kidnap of the 73-year-old traditional ruler of Iba on Saturday, July16, but was rescued on Aug.6.
They said that governments should provide adequate security for them just as they had been doing for lawmakers, members of the bench and other distinguished Nigerians.
The traditional rulers said that frequent attacks and kidnaps of traditional rulers would set a dangerous precedence and stir up insecurity and crises among communities.
Such could also heat up the polity, they said.
They, however, commended the Lagos State Government and the security agents for rescuing Oba Goriola Oseni, the traditional ruler of Iba, Lagos State from his kidnappers.
The Aladeokun of Alade in Idanre, Ondo State, Oba Olusegun Akinbola, commended the efforts by the Lagos State Government that facilitated the liberation of Oseni hale-and-hearty.
He, however, solicited greater security for monarchs.
“The monarchs are left at the mercy of the world, if the government does not allocate guards to monarchs, we shall become easy prey for attackers and criminals.
“You cannot enter the state house without being questioned by security details.
“ Traditional rulers should be provided with such armed security personnel to reduce incessant attacks on their palaces,’’ he said. Akinbola noted that repeated attacks on monarchs, who should be the closest people to both the government and the people, if not controlled, could stir up insecurity in the communities.
Also, Oba Kabiru Adelaja, the Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State, lauded the joint efforts by the state government and security agents that facilitated the release of Oba Oseni.
“We thank God, the Lagos State Government that collaborated with other monarchs from Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo States as well as security agencies for a job well done.
“I appeal to the governments to ensure that they provide adequate security and protection for traditional rulers across the country,’’ he said.
According to him, the kidnap of a traditional ruler indicates that nobody is above being a victim of criminals.
Adelaja advised the state government to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the development.
The Oyegbo of Ibonwon, Oba Oloja Adekoya, said that it was the duty of the various state governments to provide security for all the monarchs in the country.
“The will increase the regard and respect the public has for the palaces,” he said.
Oba Nureni Akinremi of Ijegun applauded the state government for ensuring the release of Oba Oseni from his kidnappers.
He pleaded with the state government to beef–up security the more around the palaces.
“The rescuing of Oba Oseni from his kidnappers is a thing of joy to the monarchs but we still need additional protection from the government to guard against a recurrence,’’he said.
NAN reports that Sir Lazarus Agai, the Saf Ron Kulere and Chairman of Bokkos Traditional Council, Plateau, was murdered in his village, Sha, by suspected herdsmen on July 18.
NAN
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