By Peter Omopo
Tension has gripped the Okoloke community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following the abduction of a first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, by unknown gunmen in the early hours of Thursday.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the monarch’s palace around 2:00 a.m., overpowering palace guards before abducting the royal father and fleeing to an undisclosed location.
The incident has plunged the community into shock and fear, with concerned residents gathering at the palace to offer prayers and call for swift government intervention. No contact has yet been made by the kidnappers, and there are no ransom demands as of the time of reporting.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, SP William Aya, said an investigation has been launched and security operatives have been mobilised to track down the perpetrators and secure the monarch’s release.
“Yes, it’s true. The security apparatus has been activated with a view to rescuing the royal father and bringing the culprits to justice,” Aya said.
The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, also condemned the abduction, describing it as a “direct affront to our cultural values and peaceful coexistence.” In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday, Olokun noted that the porous border between Yagba West and neighbouring Kwara State may have contributed to the frequency of attacks in the area.
“This reprehensible attack on a revered traditional ruler is unacceptable and stands condemned,” Olokun stated.
A joint task force of security agencies and local vigilantes has since commenced a manhunt for the abductors, while residents remain on edge amid growing calls for enhanced security across the region.
