The senate has called on the federal government to urgently deploy security forces to secure the release of James Dada Ogunyada, the Obalohun of Oloke, who was abducted from his palace in Yagba LGA of Kogi state.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi west (APC), during plenary on Thursday.
Karimi said the second-class monarch was abducted in the early hours of Thursday by unknown gunmen who stormed the palace around midnight.
He said the incident had caused widespread panic in the community as gunshots were fired to scare residents.
The senator expressed concern over the audacity of the attackers, noting that the kidnappers had not yet contacted the monarch’s family or make any demand for ransom.
He explained that Okoloke, a border town with Kwara state, had historically been peaceful, with both Hausa and Fulani settlers living in harmony.
He, however, lamented that criminal elements had recently infiltrated the area, putting lives and property at risk.
Karimi said there had been no official statement from security agencies regarding the incident.
He added that local vigilantes and concerned residents had begun “combing” the area for clues that could aid in the monarch’s rescue.
Lola Ashiru, senator representing Kwara south, called on the governments of Kogi and his state to rise to the occasion and protect the people.
“This is very disheartening and a lot of people are suffering from it,” he said.
During the debate, lawmakers expressed alarm over the incident and stressed the urgent need for coordinated action by all security agencies to ensure the monarch’s safe return.
Lawmakers recommended better support and remuneration for vigilante groups, recognising their role in grassroots security.
Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president and presiding officer, said the abduction was “an affront to the authority of the state and the nation”.
“I am sure the government is doing all its best to make sure that those who undertook this heinous crime will be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.
“We hope that he will be discovered and brought back to his palace as soon as possible.”
On Tuesday, the senate urged the military to redeploy troops and modern equipment to Borno and Yobe in response to renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.
The resolution was passed after a motion was moved by Mohammed Tahir Monguno, chief whip of the senate.
