Tensions are running high in Okoloke, a community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that left three people dead and intensified fears over the fate of a kidnapped traditional ruler.
The attackers, who abducted 90-year-old monarch Pa Dada James Ogunyanda from his palace in the early hours of Thursday, struck again on Saturday, killing two local vigilantes and a telecommunications worker. The victims were ambushed in the bush while inspecting a telecommunications mast, sources said.
The fresh killings have deepened the crisis in the community, already shaken by the abduction of the elderly ruler. According to local sources, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million, later reducing it to ₦12 million during ongoing negotiations. The monarch, reportedly in fragile health and dependent on regular medication, was said to have received some of his drugs through a drop-off arranged by the abductors.
A resident familiar with the negotiations told our correspondent that the bandits provided instructions for the delivery of the monarch’s medication but attacked before those instructions could be fulfilled.
Confirming the incident on Facebook, local resident Olusegun Iselaye condemned what he described as government inaction and the absence of effective security in the region.
“We are heartbroken and outraged,” Iselaye wrote. “Just days after the kidnapping of our traditional ruler, we have lost three more innocent lives to bandit attacks. The continued silence and inaction from the authorities are unacceptable.”
He added that while federal lawmakers had raised the issue at the National Assembly, there had been no visible security deployment or meaningful intervention in Okoloke. He also criticized the military presence in the area, alleging that it had worsened the situation through extortion and harassment.
In response to the attack, Yagba West LGA Chairman, Tosin Olokun, visited the community and assured residents that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted monarch and restore security.
As of press time, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
