A wave of fear and confusion swept through Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on Thursday following the abduction of a first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda.
The monarch was kidnapped in the early hours of the day when unidentified gunmen stormed his palace in Okoloke, a quiet community in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the heavily armed assailants overpowered the palace guards around 2:00 a.m. and forcefully took the king to an unknown destination.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers have yet to establish contact or make any ransom demands, heightening anxiety among residents, family members, and the royal household.
The incident prompted a large gathering of concerned citizens at the palace, where prayers were offered for the monarch’s safe return.
The abduction has sent shockwaves across Okunland, with many calling for urgent government intervention.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said efforts are underway to rescue the monarch. Police spokesperson SP William Aya stated, “Yes, it’s true.
The security apparatus has been activated to secure the release of the royal father and apprehend those responsible.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, condemned the attack in strong terms. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday, Olokun described the abduction as “a direct affront to our cultural values and peaceful coexistence.”
He attributed the frequent attacks in the area to the porous border shared with neighboring Kwara State, noting that criminals often use the Isanlu-Esa–Okoloke–Okunran corridor to access forest hideouts in nearby communities such as Babanla, Babasango, and Ndanaku.
Olokun added that a coordinated operation involving security agencies and local hunters has been launched to track down the abductors and rescue the monarch. Surveillance has reportedly been intensified in key areas.
“The Local Government is working closely with all relevant security agencies.
Every available resource is being deployed to ensure the safe return of His Royal Highness and others who may be in captivity,” the statement read.
Residents were urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative by promptly reporting any suspicious activities.
The chairman also warned against any form of reprisal attacks, emphasizing the importance of allowing security forces to carry out their duties without interference.
“Our commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property remains steadfast.
We trust in the expertise of our security agencies and believe, by God’s grace, the monarch will return safely,” he concluded.