Suspected bandits invade Kogi palace, abduct traditional ruler

A group of gunmen suspected to be bandits have stormed the palace of His Royal Highness Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the traditional leader of Ofoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting him in the early hours of Thursday.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived at the palace before dawn, firing shots indiscriminately to disperse nearby residents. They reportedly overpowered the security guards on duty before seizing the monarch.

Local sources revealed that the abductors have 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 swiftly to ensure the monarch’s safe return.

Efforts to reach Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya, for official comment were unsuccessful.

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