Bandits raid Kogi palace, abduct traditional ruler

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have raided the palace of His Royal Highness Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the paramount ruler of Ofoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting him in the wee hours of Thursday.

According to media reports, the attackers arrived at the palace before dawn, opening fire indiscriminately to disperse residents.

The criminal elements reportedly overpowered the security guards on duty before seizing the monarch.

Local sources revealed that the abductors are yet to establish contact with the ruler’s family, raising fears within the community.

“We heard of their impending invasion on Wednesday in all the communities around here, causing anxiety everywhere. At the end, it was our own monarch who became the victim. Anxiety is high as nothing has been heard from his abductors. The attackers invaded the palace and carried him away under duress.

‘’He was not even allowed to put on slippers or wear his shirt; he went with them wearing only boxer short nicker. It’s a sacrilege,” a source close to the palace said.

Residents of Ofoloke have since been gathering at the palace, offering prayers and calling on both state and federal authorities to act immediately to ensure the monarch’s safe return.

Meanwhile, Kogi State Police command is yet to issue an official statement in respect to the development.

However, community members reported that local vigilantes, hunters, and security operatives have begun combing the surrounding forests in a rescue effort.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook