Oba Dada Ogunyanda, the abducted traditional ruler of the Okoloke community in Yagba west LGA of Kogi, has regained freedom after spending 27 days in the kidnappers’ den.
The traditional ruler was abducted from his palace at about 2am on May 15 by a group of heavily armed men.
The assailants were said to have overpowered the palace guards and forcibly whisked the king away to an unknown location in a swift operation.
According to NAN, Tosin Olokun, chairman of Yagba west LGA, confirmed the traditional ruler’s release on Wednesday.
Olokun, who spoke through Sunday Adeyemi, his chief press secretary (CPS), said the monarch has rejoined his family and is receiving medical attention.
Meanwhile, Olokun reportedly said the persistent attacks on the LGA by gunmen are due to the porous border it shares with Kwara state.
“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,” the chairman was quoted as saying in a statement.
“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.”
