By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Unknown gunmen have abducted a traditional ruler in Kogi State, Oba James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, from his residence in the early hours of Thursday.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. in Okoloke, a quiet community in Yagba West Local Government Area, when a group of heavily armed men invaded the monarch’s palace.
A source, who identified himself as Lucky Omoyele, said the attackers overpowered palace guards before whisking the traditional ruler away to an unknown destination.
He revealed that the kidnappers have yet to make contact or issue any ransom demands.
Omoyele added that concerned residents have since gathered at the palace to pray for the monarch’s safe return and are calling on the government to take urgent action.
The abduction is one of several recent incidents that have heightened insecurity in the area and left residents in a state of anxiety.
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and said an investigation is ongoing.
A joint task force comprising security operatives and local vigilantes has reportedly launched a manhunt to locate and rescue the monarch.
Also reacting, the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Tosin Olokun, condemned the abduction in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Adeyemi Sunday.
Olokun noted that the persistent attacks in the area are partly due to the porous border the local government shares with neighbouring Kwara State.