By Tgnews
The serene community of Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State is reeling from a deadly wave of violence that has claimed three lives and left residents in fear, as bandits continue to hold their revered traditional ruler, Pa Dada James Ogunyanda, hostage.
The assailants, who abducted the monarch from his palace in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, 2025, have demanded a ₦12 million ransom, escalating tensions in a region already plagued by insecurity.
The crisis began when heavily armed gunmen stormed the palace of Pa Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday. Overpowering palace guards in a swift operation, the bandits whisked the nonagenarian monarch away to an unknown location.
Initial reports indicated the kidnappers demanded a staggering ₦100 million for his release, but negotiations reportedly reduced the ransom to ₦12 million, with the assailants citing the monarch’s frail health and need for medication.
The victims—two local vigilantes and a telecommunications worker—were attacked while the worker
The community’s anguish deepened on Saturday, May 17, when the bandits struck again, killing three individuals in a brutal ambush. The victims—two local vigilantes and a telecommunications worker—were attacked while the worker was inspecting a telecom mast in the area, accompanied by the vigilantes for security. Sources suggest the group encountered the armed assailants in the bush, who opened fire without hesitation, leaving the community to recover the lifeless bodies of the victims that morning.
“We are heartbroken and outraged to report that just days after the kidnapping of our traditional ruler in Okoloke village, Yagba West, we have now lost three more innocent lives to bandit attacks in the very same community,” he wrote. “This senseless violence is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for effective security measures.”
Iselaye highlighted the absence of visible police presence in Okoloke, describing the lack of response as a “clear failure” that further traumatizes the community. He also criticized the current military deployment, noting that it has not only failed to curb the violence but has led to issues like extortion and harassment of residents. “The situation is dire. We urgently call on the Kogi State Government to recognize the gravity of this escalating crisis,” he added.
This senseless violence is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for effective security measures
The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, visited the grieving community to offer condolences and assurances. He condemned the abduction and killings, stating that security operatives, in collaboration with local hunters, have launched coordinated operations to rescue the monarch and dismantle the criminal networks operating in the region.
Olokun attributed the persistent attacks to the porous borders along the Isanlu Esa–Okoloke–Okunran axis, which allow bandits to access hideouts in forested areas of neighboring Kwara State. “We are engaging security stakeholders across the board to cut off their escape routes,” he said.
We are engaging security stakeholders across the board to cut off their escape routes
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the monarch’s abduction and announced that a joint task force, including police, vigilantes, and hunters, is actively pursuing the assailants. However, as of May 19, 2025, no official statement has been issued regarding the recent killings, leaving residents anxious for updates.
