- Safiu Kehinde
A group of armed kidnappers have attacked the palace of a traditional ruler in Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, abducting him in the process.
The incident which was confirmed by the Kogi State Police Command reportedly occured around in the early hours of Thursday at Okoloke community in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state.
According to eyewitnesses, the group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke, overpowering the palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location.
In the wake of the Monarch’s kidnap, a joint task force comprising security personnel and local vigilantes has begun a manhunt to locate and rescue him.
Reacting to the development, 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.
“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. By God’s grace and with the continued efforts of our security forces, we are confident they will return safely and unharmed.” He said.