Richard Elesho
The abducted Traditional Ruler of Okoloke Community, Pa Dada Ogunyanda in Yagba West Local Government of Kogi has regained freedom after staying 27 days in the kidnappers’ den.
News of his freedom spread through a viral video on the social media. In the short clip, the 90-year’old man is seen supported carried on a motorcycle and supported by a younger person.
The bike packed beside a waiting vehicle into which he was discharged. Several people in the background burst into jubilation.
The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Mr Tosin Olokun, confirmed the traditional rulers’ release to newsmen in a telephone call in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Oba Ogunyanda, who is the Obalohun of Okoloke Community, was abducted from his palace by 2:00am on May 15.
Olokun, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sunday Adeyemi, said that the traditional ruler has since rejoined his family and receiving medical attention
The incident adds to the growing list of high-profile kidnappings in Nigeria, where traditional rulers, community leaders, and even ordinary citizens have increasingly become targets of abduction for ransom. Experts and stakeholders continue to call for stronger policing, better intelligence gathering, and enhanced cooperation between communities and security agencies to curb the rising wave of insecurity.
For now, the people of Okoloke are breathing a sigh of relief as their beloved monarch returns home. Prayers and well-wishes are being offered for his full recovery, while community members express hope that this traumatic experience will prompt urgent government action to better protect rural areas and traditional institutions.
