CITIZENS COMPASS– There was panic in Yagba West Local Government area of Kogi State as suspected gunmen have abducted Oba James Ogunyanda, a first class traditional ruler in the area.
Spokesperson, Kogi State Police Command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, confirmed the abduction to the News Agency Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lokoja.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Miller Dantawaye, has directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) within Kogi West to rise to the challenge to rescue Oba James Ogunyanda with immediate effect.
Dantawaye also urged them to liaise with other security agents and the Vigilante group to launch a formidable rescue operation to track down the abductors.
Oba James Ogunyanda is the traditional ruler of Okoloke, a border town with Kwara.
The royal father was allegedly abducted in the early hours of Thursday in his palace.
The incident has caused panic across the area, where there’s growing cases of kidnapping.
An eye witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a group of armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke about 2:00 a.m.
The hoodlums overpowered the palace guards and forcefully whisked the monarch away to an unknown location.
“They are yet to make contact nor issue any ransom demands, deepening anxiety among residents, relatives, and members of the royal household.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Council, Mr Tosin Olokun, has condemned the abduction of Oba James Ogunyanda in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday.
“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.
“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,” Olokun said.
He appealed to the people to remain calm and cooperative, and to report any suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest authorities.
—NAN
