Bandits invade Kogi palace, kidnap monarch

The traditional ruler of Akumarun Okoloke town, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi state, Oba J.D. Ogunyanda, has been abducted by gunmen.

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, and the Monarch, who is a second class traditional ruler was said to have been kidnapped in his Palace, in the early hours of Thursday by the gunmen, who are believed to be Fulani Herders.

Sources, who confirmed the development to BusinessDay, disclosed that the ruler was taken away by the gunmen numbering about 30 to an unknown destination.

As of the time of filing this report, his abductors have yet to make contact with the community or demand for ransom.

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“The state of things in our land is dire, with fear hindering entry and progress despite its potential. We cry out to God for deliverance, believing that heaven helps those who help themselves.

“The sons and daughters of Okoloke and Yagba West are demanding security, justice and the safe return of our beloved monarch,” Moses Ayodele, a resident of the community, told newsmen.

It would be recalled that there has been an escalation in the activities of terrorists and bandits in the Western Area of Kogi State in recent times.

Many people in the area have been forced to abandon their farms and houses, and are relocating out of the locality.

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