The Obalohun of Okoloke in Yagba West local government area of Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda has been abducted by gunmen from his palace.
The abduction of Oba Ogunyanda in the early hours of Thursday has thrown the state into panic, particularly Yagba LGA, where kidnapping has reportedly become a daily affair.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke, a serene community at around 2a.m.
The assailants were said to have overpowered the palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location in a swift operation.
LEADERSHIP understands that the kidnappers have not contacted the palace or made any ransom demands, deepening anxiety among residents, relatives, and members of the royal household.
Concerned subjects of the town gathered around the palace following the incident, offering prayers and urging authorities to act quickly to rescue the first-class monarch.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said investigation has commenced, saying a joint task force comprising security personnel and local vigilantes have begun a manhunt to locate and rescue the monarch.
However, Chairman of Yagba West local government, Hon. Tosin Olokun has condemned the abduction.
Olokun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday acknowledged that the persistent attack on the council area by gunmen was due to the porous border it shared with Kwara State.
“This reprehensible attack on a revered traditional ruler is a direct affront to our cultural values and peaceful coexistence. It is unacceptable and stands condemned.
“In swift response, security operatives, in collaboration with local hunters, have launched coordinated operations to rescue the abducted monarch and others held captive. Search efforts are ongoing, with intensified surveillance in key areas.
“The local Government is working closely with all relevant security agencies to ensure prompt and decisive action. Every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of His Royal Highness and others in captivity,” the chairman said.
He appealed to the people of of the local government, especially residents of Okoloke and surrounding communities, to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities.
“While we understand the fear and concern this situation may cause, we urge everyone to stay alert and security conscious.
“We encourage residents to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security post or traditional authorities. Timely information is crucial to the success of ongoing operations,” he said.
Olokun further condemned any form of reprisal attacks, disassociating the people of the LGA from any past retaliatory actions and urge residents not to take the law into their hands.
“Retaliatory violence only escalates tension and distracts from rescue efforts. We must allow security operatives to perform their duties professionally and without interference.
“It is widely known that many of the criminals disturbing our peace are not residents of Yagba West. They take advantage of the porous borders in the Isanlu Esa–Okoloke–Okunran axis to access hideouts in Babanla, Babasango, Ndanaku, and other forested areas in neighbouring Kwara State.
“The Local Government is engaging security stakeholders across board to dismantle these criminal networks and cut off their escape routes,” he said.
He reassured residents of the LG’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property across Yagba West.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of His Royal Highness and others affected by this incident. By God’s grace and with the continued efforts of our security forces, we are confident they will return safely and unharmed,” he said.
