Gunmen have abducted the traditional ruler of Akumarun Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, Oba J.D. Ogunyanda. The monarch, a second-class traditional ruler, was kidnapped from his palace in the early hours of Thursday.
Okoloke, a quiet farming community along the Egbe-Patigi road, was thrown into panic as reports emerged that about 30 armed men, believed to be Fulani herders, stormed the palace and whisked the king away to an unknown location.
Local sources said the kidnappers are yet to contact the community or make any ransom demands.
Speaking on the development, Moses Ayodele, a resident of Okoloke, expressed deep concern:
“The state of things in our land is dire. People are afraid to go about their normal lives. We cry out to God and to the government for help. We want justice and the safe return of our king.”
The abduction adds to growing insecurity in the western region of Kogi State, where incidents of kidnapping and banditry have been on the rise. Many residents have abandoned their homes and farmlands for fear of attacks.
Community leaders and indigenes have called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of Oba Ogunyanda and restore peace to the area.
