BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
The people of Okoloke community in Yagba West LGA, Kogi State, are celebrating the safe return of their monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, after nearly a month in captivity.
The Obalohun of Okoloke was abducted from his palace on May 15, 2025, by armed assailants who reportedly overpowered palace guards before taking the monarch to an undisclosed location.
His release comes after a ransom allegedly in the range of ₦100 million was paid although authorities have yet to confirm the details. A viral video shared by digital creator Opaluwa Omera Ugbeden showed the king’s emotional return, with residents surrounding him in joy as he arrived on a motorbike.
While official rescue efforts were said to be ongoing, some reports suggest the government had limited involvement in securing the monarch’s release. The Kogi State Police Command had confirmed the abduction earlier and noted that a joint task force, including security agencies and local vigilantes, had been deployed.
The Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Tosin Olokun, strongly condemned the kidnapping, calling it “a direct affront to our cultural values and peaceful coexistence.”
He assured the public that collaborative operations between local hunters and security operatives had been initiated to tackle banditry and prevent future incidents. He also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative.
The return of Oba Ogunyanda marks the end of a tense and fearful chapter for Okoloke and surrounding communities, though concerns remain about rising insecurity and the impunity of armed groups in rural areas.
