Panic as gunmen abduct traditional ruler from palace in Kogi

Panic has gripped the Ofoloke community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State following the abduction of its traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, by gunmen suspected to be bandits.

The monarch was kidnapped in the early hours of Thursday when the attackers stormed his palace under the cover of darkness.

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants fired gunshots indiscriminately to scare away nearby residents before overpowering the palace security personnel and seizing the royal father.

As of the time of this report, the kidnappers have not made contact with the monarch’s family, heightening fears and anxiety among residents of the peaceful agrarian community.

“We heard of their impending invasion on Wednesday in all the communities around here, causing anxiety everywhere. At the end, it was our own monarch who became the victim. Anxiety is high as nothing has been heard from his abductors. The attackers invaded the palace and carried him away under duress.

‘’He was not even allowed to put on slippers or wear his shirt; he went with them wearing only boxer short nicker. It’s a sacrilege,” a source close to the palace said.

Residents of Ofoloke have since been gathering at the palace, offering prayers and calling on both state and federal authorities to act swiftly to ensure the monarch’s safe return.

Efforts to reach Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, for official comment were unsuccessful.

However, community members reported that local vigilantes, hunters, and security personnel have begun combing the surrounding forests in a rescue effort.