The agrarian community of Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State was on Thursday thrown into pandemonium as unidentified gunmen raided the area and abducted their traditional ruler, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye,.
The incident which occurred in the early hours of Yesterday 15th May 2025 was confirmed by
the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday Babarinde, the Chairman condemned the abduction of the traditional ruler in strong terms.
He attributed the action of the suspected armed bandits to the porous and unmanned borders it shares with Kwara state.
He described the incident as reprehensible and unacceptable, noting that it’s an affront on the cultural values and peaceful coexistence of the people of the area.
“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 any 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 hands.
Retaliatory violence only escalates tension and distracts from rescue efforts. We must allow security operatives to perform their duties professionally and without interference”.
“It is widely known that many of the criminals disturbing our peace are not residents of Yagba West. 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.”
Our correspondent reported that an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity said 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 the palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location, in what was described as “a sting operation”.
The abductors were yet to make any contact nor any demands as at the time of filing this report.