By OBSERVERS TIMES
Okoloke, Yagba West LGA, Kogi State – Pandemonium has erupted in Yagba West Local Government Area following the abduction of a first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda of Okoloke. Suspected gunmen stormed the monarch’s palace in the early hours of Thursday, according to eyewitness accounts.
Sources revealed that a heavily armed group invaded the serene community of Okoloke around 2:00 a.m., overpowering palace guards and forcibly taking the king to an unknown destination.
As of press time, the kidnappers have not established contact or demanded any ransom, heightening anxiety among residents, relatives, and the royal family.
The distressing incident prompted concerned citizens to gather at the palace, offering prayers and urging swift action from authorities. The abduction has sent shockwaves throughout Okun land.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and stated that an investigation is underway. Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, told our correspondent, “Yes, it’s true, but the security apparatus has been activated to ensure the royal father’s release and the perpetrators are brought to justice.” A joint task force, including security personnel and local vigilantes, has been deployed to locate and rescue the monarch.
The Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Tosin Olokun, has vehemently condemned the abduction by the yet-to-be-identified armed bandits. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday, the chairman attributed the persistent attacks in the council area to its porous border 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,” Olokun stated.
He further disclosed that “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 assured that it is working closely with all relevant security agencies to ensure prompt and decisive action, deploying every available resource for the safe return of His Royal Highness and others in captivity.
Olokun appealed to the residents of Yagba West, particularly those in Okoloke and surrounding communities, to remain calm and cooperative. He urged them to stay alert and security-conscious, reporting any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security post or traditional authorities, emphasizing that timely information is crucial for the success of ongoing operations.
The Local Government also strongly condemned any form of reprisal attacks, dissociating itself from past retaliatory actions and urging residents not to take the law into their own hands. “Retaliatory violence only escalates tension and distracts from rescue efforts. We must allow security operatives to perform their duties professionally and without interference,” the chairman stated.
Olokun highlighted that many of the criminals disturbing the peace are not residents of Yagba West but exploit the porous borders in the Isanlu Esa–Okoloke–Okunran axis to access hideouts in neighboring Kwara State. He affirmed that the Local Government is engaging security stakeholders to dismantle these criminal networks and cut off their escape routes.
“We reassure all residents of our unwavering commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property across Yagba West,” Olokun concluded. “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.”
