Gunmen abduct traditional ruler in Kogi

Gunmen have abducted HRH David Wada, the second-class traditional ruler and District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2025, as the monarch was returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala LGA. According to sources, Wada was waylaid at Ojuwo Ugweche, held at gunpoint, and forcibly taken into the bush.

According to locals, the monarch was being conveyed by a motorcycle rider who narrowly escaped.

Ojuwo Ugweche, known for repeated cases of kidnapping, is usually manned by vigilante groups and security personnel. However, on the day of the incident, no security operatives were present at the scene.

The paramount ruler of the local government, HRH Boniface Musa, the Onu Ife, confirmed the incident and appealed to security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted monarch.

The spokesperson of the State POlice Command, SP Williams Aya, who also confirmed the incident said his men had mobilised hunters, vigilantes, and state security operatives to comb the bush for his release.