The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after regaining his freedom from kidnappers in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The monarch was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community. He was released five days later during a security operation in the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.

His death was announced on Saturday by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, who expressed sadness over the development and prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul.

PUNCH Online also confirmed the death through one of the monarch’s sons, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.

The monarch was among three kidnapped victims rescued by security operatives during the operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.

The Kwara State Police Command had said the operation followed information received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante, who reported that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

The Divisional Police Officer of the Oro Police Station subsequently led a combined team of police operatives, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.

According to the police, the suspected kidnappers opened fire after sighting the advancing security team, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which one suspected kidnapper was killed.

The remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding terrain as the security team pursued them and found the three victims.

The victims were subsequently evacuated for medical attention. (Saturday PUNCH, excluding headline)