From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Some gunmen have kidnapped the traditional ruler of Okoloke, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye. The traditional ruler was whisked away in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, from his palace, along with other people suspected to be his immediate family members. It was gathered that an unspecified number of heavily armed hoodlums stormed the palace by 2am. After a bout of gunshots, the palace guards were overwhelmed, paving the way for the criminals to capture the monarch and others. The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Tosin Olokun, confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler, describing it as “sad.”Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday, a media aide to the LG chairman, in a statement, condemned the attack and called for calm. He cautioned against reprisal attacks, stating that nothing would be spared to rescue the victims. In a statement, he said, “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.”
The media aide 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 forest 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 properties 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.”