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

The monarch was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in the state.He regained his freedom five days later after security operatives launched an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of Kwara State.

The death of the traditional ruler 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.

The monarch’s death was also confirmed by one of his sons, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said Oba Iwedunmoye 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.Oba Iwedunmoye was among three kidnapped victims rescued by security operatives during the operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.

The Kwara State Police Command had earlier disclosed that the rescue operation followed information received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante.

The vigilante reportedly informed the police that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

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

According to the police, the suspected kidnappers opened fire after sighting the advancing security team, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

One suspected kidnapper was reportedly killed during the encounter, while other members of the gang fled into the surrounding terrain.

The security operatives subsequently pursued the fleeing suspects and discovered the three kidnapped victims.The rescued victims were evacuated from the area and taken for medical attention.

The death of the Onigbesi comes just days after his release from captivity, adding to concerns over the impact of kidnapping and insecurity on communities across Kwara State.