Unknown gunmen have abducted a traditional ruler in Kogi State, Oba James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, from his residence during the early hours of Thursday.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. in Okoloke, a quiet community within Yagba West Local Government Area, when a group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace.
According to a local resident, Lucky Omoyele, the assailants overpowered the palace guards before forcibly taking the monarch to an undisclosed location.
He disclosed that the kidnappers have yet to make contact or issue any ransom demands.
Concerned residents have since gathered at the palace to pray for the safe return of their traditional ruler and are urging the government to intervene swiftly.
This abduction adds to a growing number of similar incidents, exacerbating the sense of insecurity in the region and leaving residents deeply unsettled.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping and stated that an investigation is underway.
A joint task force comprising security personnel and local vigilante groups has reportedly launched a manhunt in a bid to rescue the abducted monarch.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, condemned the abduction in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday.
Olokun noted that the recurring security breaches in the area are partly due to the porous nature of the border shared with neighbouring Kwara State.