KOGI: Bandits kill three, demand ₦12m ransom for abducted monarch

The assailants, who had earlier abducted a traditional ruler, Pa Dada James Ogunyanda, remain at large while demanding a ₦12 million ransom for his release.

Pa Ogunyanda, a revered nonagenarian and graded chief, was kidnapped from his palace in the early hours of Thursday.

Initial ransom demands from the kidnappers reportedly stood at ₦100 million but were later reduced after negotiations—reportedly due to concerns over the monarch’s fragile health and his need for medication.

Despite the ongoing efforts to meet their demands, the bandits struck again over the weekend.

Two local vigilantes and a telecommunications worker, who was in the area to inspect a mast, were ambushed and killed. The victims had encountered the gunmen in the bush while being escorted to the site.

Local sources say the kidnappers had instructed that the monarch’s medication be dropped at a specified location.

Before the instructions could be carried out, the Saturday morning attack occurred, deepening fear and frustration in the community.

In a Facebook post, resident Olusegun Iselaye condemned the government’s silence and failure to respond adequately to the escalating insecurity.

“We are heartbroken and outraged. Just days after the abduction of our traditional ruler, three more innocent lives have been lost to bandit attacks. This senseless violence underscores the urgent need for effective security interventions,” he wrote.

He acknowledged recent efforts by Senator Karimi and others who raised the issue at the National Assembly, but stressed that no meaningful security presence has been deployed to the area.

“There has been no visible police response. The continued military presence has only led to further issues like extortion and harassment of residents. The current strategy is failing our communities.”

In response to the tragedy, Yagba West LGA Chairman Tosin Olokun visited Okoloke and assured residents that active efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped monarch and tackle the worsening security situation.

As of the time this report was filed, the Kogi State Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the latest incident.