Kogi monarch kidnapped by armed men

A traditional ruler in Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, has been abducted from his palace by a group of heavily armed men

[dropcap]K[/dropcap]idnappers have attacked a traditional ruler in Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, who is the Obalohun of Okoloke, abducting him in the process.

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According to reports, the monarch was abducted in the early hours of Thursday.

Quoting eyewitnesses, it was reported that a group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke, a serene community in Yagba West Local Government Area, at around 2am.

The assailants overpowered palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location. The operation was said to be swift.

The development was also confirmed by the Kogi State Police Command.

A joint task force comprising security personnel and local vigilantes has begun a manhunt to locate and rescue the monarch.

The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, condemned the abduction of the monarch by the armed bandits.

“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.

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.

“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.

“We appeal to the good people of Yagba West, especially residents of Okoloke and surrounding communities, to remain calm and cooperative.

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.

“The local government also strongly condemns any form of reprisal attacks. We disassociate ourselves 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.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of His Royal Highness and others affected by this incident.

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By God’s grace and with the continued efforts of our security forces, we are confident they will return safely and unharmed.”