A second-class traditional ruler and District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, HRM David Wada, has been abducted by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The monarch was reportedly attacked on Monday evening while returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, the headquarters of the local government area. He was waylaid at Ojuwo Ugweche under gun threat and whisked away into the bush.
Eyewitnesses said HRM Wada, who was being conveyed on a motorcycle, ran into the ambush at a spot notorious for kidnappings. While the rider narrowly escaped, the monarch was forcibly taken by the assailants.
Locals noted that the location is usually manned by vigilantes and security operatives, but no personnel were present at the time of the attack.
Confirming the incident, the paramount ruler of the local government, HRH Boniface Musa, the Onu Ife, appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the monarch’s release.
Spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, SP Williams Aya, also confirmed the abduction, adding that police operatives, hunters, and vigilantes had been mobilized to comb the surrounding bush.
This incident comes against the backdrop of recent insecurity in the area, including fatal attacks and arson in Bagana, Bagaji, Agojeju Odo, and Ajokpachi Odo communities, which prompted Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to deploy military and other security agencies to restore peace.
As of the time of filing this report, the abductors had yet to establish contact with the monarch’s family.
Comments
Post a Comment