Gunmen kidnap first class monarch from his palace in Kogi

A first-class traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Kogi State.

Oba Ilufemiloye was abducted from his palace in the early hours of the day.

The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Authority, Tosin Olokun, condemned the abduction of the traditional ruler in a statement on Thursday.

Olokun said 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,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said investigation has commenced, adding that a joint task force comprising security personnel and local vigilantes have begun a manhunt to locate and rescue the monarch.