Gunmen

Richard Elesho

The Chairman of Yagbawest Local Government, Kogi State, Tosin Olokun, has confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler in the area, His Royal Highness Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the Obalokun of Okoloke. He was whisked away in the early hours of Thursday, 15 May.

It was gathered that an unspecified number of heavily armed, unidentified hoodlums stormed the palace at about 2 am. After a session of sporadic gunshots, the palace guards were overwhelmed, paving the way for the criminals to capture the monarch and unnamed others. Understandably, the incident has created tension and panic in the area.

Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, a media aide to LG Chairman, in a statement, condemned the attack and called for calm. He cautioned against reprisal attacks, assuring that nothing would be spared in the effort to rescue the victims. The statement partly reads:

“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.

“In swift response, 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. Every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe return of His Royal Highness and others in captivity.

“We appeal to the good people of Yagba West, especially residents of Okoloke and surrounding communities, to remain calm and cooperative. While we understand the fear and concern this situation may cause, we urge everyone to stay alert and security conscious.

“We encourage residents to promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security post or traditional authorities. Timely information is crucial to the success of ongoing operations.

“The Local Government also strongly condemns any form of reprisal attacks. We disassociate ourselves from any past retaliatory actions and urge residents not to take the law into their own hands.

“Retaliatory violence only escalates tension and distracts from rescue efforts. We must allow security operatives to perform their duties professionally and without interference.

The media aid added that the criminals operating in the area do not live within its borders. “They take advantage of the porous borders in the Isanlu Esa–Okoloke–Okunran axis to access hideouts in Babanla, Babasango, Ndanaku, and other forested areas in neighboring Kwara State. The Local Government is engaging security stakeholders across board to dismantle these criminal networks and cut off their escape routes.

“We reassure all residents of our unwavering commitment to restoring peace and safeguarding lives and property across Yagba West.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of His Royal Highness and others affected by this incident. By God’s grace and with the continued efforts of our security forces, we are confident they will return safely and unharmed.

Security infractions have on the rise in the state in recent times.