By Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday
Oba James Dada Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the Obalohun of Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been released by his abductors, 28 days after he was kidnapped from his palace.
Our correspondent reports that the monarch, abducted on Thursday, May 15, 2025, regained his freedom around midday on Tuesday, June 11, following intensified pressure from a joint team of security operatives and local vigilante groups.
Sources said the combined efforts of security personnel and local hunters operating around the Okoloke,Isanlu–Esa axis, along with surveillance across the Kogi,Kwara border, forced the kidnappers to release the traditional ruler.
The Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Hon. Tosin Olokun, who confirmed the monarch’s release. did not disclose whether any ransom was paid, but described the development as a major victory for the community.
“We are grateful to God Almighty and all the security stakeholders who worked tirelessly to secure Kabiyesi’s safe return.
“This is a day of joy for Yagba West. Throughout the 28 days of his captivity, we maintained close engagement with the affected community and never relented in our search.
Our message was clear,criminality will not thrive in Yagba West,”Olokun said.
According to him, the successful operation was made possible by coordinated efforts between local government hunters, vigilantes, and the military, which mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers without causing harm to the monarch.
Meanwhile,Yagba West Local Government Council has called for calm and urged residents to avoid any retaliatory actions, reiterating ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts along the Kogi,wara border, particularly in areas such as Babanla, Babasango, and Ndanaku.
Our correspondent gathered that Security agencies are continuing surveillance in the area to prevent future breaches, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
