Newsbreak: Terrorists invade tourist hub in Ogun, kidnap 3, shoot woman

By Samuel Ogunsona

Heavily armed terrorists numbering about 15 have kidnapped three people at Oke-Eri in Ogun State. The community is one of the ancient historical sites in Yorubaland that draw researchers, tourists and archeologists from all over the world.

In 1995, its was listed as a tentative World Heritage site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO).

Oke-Eri is the ancestral home of Bilikisu Sugbon who lived several centuries ago and was believed by some archeologists to be the famous Queen of Sheba that visited King Solomon in the biblical times.

The terorists seized the three in the community located near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State on Monday.

Sources told Irohinoodua that a woman was shot during the armed invasion. A local youth leader in the area, Adefemi Sotade said in a chat with Irohinoodua that “they were about 15. Some of them came in military uniforms. They were unmistakenly Fulani. They shot into the air. People were confused. There were no police or soldiers to help. They took at least three people away. They also shot a woman.”

Other sources said the terrorists invaded the community around 7:30pm in the evening shooting indiscriminately.

The kidnapped three were said to be members of the same family.

Media reports claimed community Leader of the Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke-Eri, Ijebu Ode, Mr. Kehinde expressed worry over the incidence. He said the attack was an indication that no where in Yorubaland and in Nigeria is safe.

The Head of the Badewa Family of Ijebu Ode, Mr. Yesiru Badewa, whose family members were kidnapped told journalists that the family have been put in a most difficult situation that demands urgent Government intervention.

Oke Eri is described by archeaologists as
“a historic community in Ogun State, Nigeria, near Ijebu-Ode, famously known as the burial site of Bilikisu Sungbo, believed by many to be the legendary Queen of Sheba. It is a major pilgrimage site due to its mysterious tomb and ancient earthworks, serving as a significant, though under-developed, cultural tourism spot.”