A traditional ruler in Yagba West local government area of Kogi state, the Obalohun of Okoloke, Oba James Ogunyanda, has been kidnapped.
Oba Ogunyanda was kindapped from his palace in the early hours of Thursday.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of heavily armed men stormed the monarch’s palace in Okoloke.
The assailants overpowered palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location. The operation was said to be swift.
The kidnappers have yet to make contact or issue a ransom demand, increasing anxiety among residents, relatives, and members of the royal household.
Tosin Olokun, Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Council, confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler.
Mr Olokun strongly criticised the kidnapping of the Obalohun of Okoloke by alleged armed gunmen.
The chairman, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Babarinde, acknowledged that the persistent attack on the council area by gunmen was due to the porous border it shares with Kwara state.
He said efforts are ongoing to rescue the traditional ruler.
Okoloke, a peaceful town situated along the Egbe-Patigi road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, is an active food production community renowned for its rich cultural heritage.
