Breaking: Kogi Monarch Abducted in Omala

A second-class traditional ruler and District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, His Royal Highness David Wada, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.

The monarch was reportedly returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala LGA, when he was ambushed at Ojuwo Ugweche around 5 p.m. on Monday.

Eyewitnesses said he was being conveyed on a motorcycle when the assailants struck. While the rider managed to escape, the traditional ruler was forcefully taken into the bush at gunpoint.

Ojuwo Ugweche, a notorious hotspot for abductions, is usually manned by vigilante and security operatives, but no personnel were present at the time of the incident.

Despite government deployment of the military and other security agencies to the area, locals say insecurity and violent crimes have persisted.

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

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Aya, also confirmed the abduction, noting that security operatives, hunters, and vigilantes have been mobilized to comb the forests in search of the monarch.

It will be recalled that recent bandit attacks left several communities in the area—including Bagana, Bagaji, Agojeju Odo, and Ajokpachi Odo—devastated by killings and arson, despite military presence. Fulani herders are said to have taken control of parts of the forests, worsening insecurity.

As of the time of filing this report, the abductors were yet to contact the monarch’s family.