97-yr-old Kidnapped Kogi Monarch Regains Freedom

The Obalohun of Okoloke in Yagba West local government of Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, was on Wednesday released by his abductors after spending 27 days in captivity.

The first-class traditional ruler of the Okoloke Community was abducted from his palace on May 15, 2025.

LEADERSHIP gathered that some members of his family discovered the aged monarch at a designated point where his abductors had abandoned him.

Oba Ogunyanda was quickly conveyed on a motorcycle to the nearest road where they got a vehicle that conveyed him to the hospital.

The source added that the monarch, who was released after the payment of an unspecified amount as ransom to his abductors, was immediately rushed to ECWA Hospital in Egbe for medical attention.

Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo has ordered full medical rehabilitation and psychological restoration of Oba Ogunyanda.

Gov Ododo also directed that the monarch be transferred from the Egbe Hospital to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja for comprehensive medical attention.

One of the family members told our correspondent in confidence, “We are already heading to the Federal Medical Center Lokoja on the order of the state governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. The Governor has virtually taken over the rehabilitation of the traditional ruler. We are so grateful to the governor for his love and compassion.”

LEADERSHIP recalls that the traditional ruler was abducted from his palace at gunpoint by kidnappers who demanded a ransom of N100 million for his release.

The abduction of the monarch had elicited widespread panic across the state, particularly in the Yagba West local government area, where incidents of kidnapping recently surged.

The people of the LGA have turned spiritual, seeking God’s intervention and prompt release of the abducted persons, especially the monarch, considering his age.

A 72-year-old retired Army Major who was kidnapped a few days after the monarch was not as lucky as he was found dead even after the payment of N10 million ransom.

Jubilation erupted at Okoloke Community following the news of the release of their traditional ruler as a crowd of jubilant residents gathered in his palace to receive him.