The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has condemned the abduction of a first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Oloke, who was kidnapped by gunmen in the early hours of Thursday from his palace in Okoloke, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred around 2:00 a.m., has thrown the entire local government into confusion and fear. Afrocover learnt that “a group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke, a serene community in Yagba West Local Government Area, at around 2:00 a.m. The assailants overpowered palace guards and forcefully whisked the king away to an unknown location.”
However, the abductors are yet to contact the family or make any ransom demand, further heightening tension among the people of the community and beyond.
In response to the development, the Senate, during plenary on Thursday, called on the federal government to deploy security operatives urgently to secure the monarch’s release.
This resolution came after a motion was raised by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC-Kogi West), who expressed concern over the boldness of the criminals.
Karimi said, “The second-class monarch was abducted in the early hours of Thursday by unknown gunmen who stormed the palace around midnight,” adding that the gunshots fired during the attack sent panic across the community.
He further lamented that Okoloke, a peaceful border town between Kogi and Kwara states known for its harmonious coexistence between Hausa and Fulani settlers, had recently come under threat by criminal elements. “There had been no official statement from security agencies regarding the incident,” he noted, while adding that local vigilantes and concerned residents had already started combing the area for clues.
Also weighing in on the situation, Senator Lola Ashiru of Kwara South urged both Kogi and Kwara State governments to act swiftly, saying, “This is very disheartening and a lot of people are suffering from it.”
Lawmakers during the debate emphasized the need for coordinated efforts by all security agencies to ensure the monarch’s safe return, while also advocating for better support and welfare for vigilante groups at the grassroots.
Describing the incident as “an affront to the authority of the state and the nation,” Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, said, “I am sure the government is doing all its best to make sure that those who undertook this heinous crime will be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. We hope that he will be discovered and brought back to his palace as soon as possible.”
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Meanwhile, residents of Okoloke have continued to gather around the palace, offering prayers and calling on authorities to act swiftly. The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and stated that investigations are ongoing. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, “Yes it’s true but the security apparatus has been activated with a view to free the royal father and bring culprits to book.”
In a related development, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday, also condemned the attack. He said, “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 further noted that the persistent attacks on the area were due to the porous border the community shares with Kwara State.
