The Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State was thrown into confusion on Thursday morning after a notable first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen at his residence.
A source who identified himself as Lucky Omoyele revealed that the gunmen stormed the residence of the traditional ruler and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Omoyele explained that a group of heavily armed men invaded the monarch’s palace in Okoloke—a serene community in Yagba West Local Government Area—at about 2:00 a.m. and forcefully took the monarch away.
The assailants reportedly overpowered the palace guards before abducting the traditional ruler and taking him to an undisclosed location.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers have yet to make contact or issue any ransom demands.
Meanwhile, concerned citizens of the community have gathered at the palace, offering prayers and urging the government to intervene in rescuing their abducted king.
The Kogi State Police Command, which confirmed the incident, announced that an investigation is underway.
A joint task force comprising security personnel and local vigilantes has also launched a manhunt to locate and rescue the monarch.
The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday, condemned the abduction of the monarch by unknown armed bandits.
He noted that the persistent attacks on the council area by gunmen are linked to the porous border it shares with Kwara State.
