Three Killed as Tension Mounts Over Abducted Monarch in Kogi State

Tension has risen sharply in Okoloke community, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, following the killing of three people by suspected bandits on Saturday. The victims — two vigilantes and a telecommunications worker — were attacked while inspecting a mast in the area, days after the abduction of a local traditional ruler.

The monarch, Pa Dada James Ogunyanda, a nonagenarian and a recognised chief in the region, was kidnapped from his palace in the early hours of Thursday. Community sources said the gunmen had initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million, which was later reportedly reduced to ₦12 million during negotiations. The kidnappers are said to have requested the monarch’s medication be delivered to a specified location, citing his poor health.

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Local reports indicate that the victims killed on Saturday were ambushed in the bush while escorting the telecoms staff to the mast site. The community has expressed outrage over what it describes as a lack of effective response from security agencies. A resident, Olusegun Iselaye, posted on social media condemning the government’s inaction and describing the situation as dire.

The Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Tosin Olokun, has visited the affected area and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped chief and tackle the rising insecurity.