The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy security forces to secure the immediate release of His Royal Highness, Oba James Dada Ogunyada, the Obalohun of Oloke, who was abducted from his palace in Yagba Local Government Area of Kogi State.
This resolution followed a motion presented on the floor by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) during Thursday’s plenary session.
According to Senator Karimi, the traditional ruler, a second-class monarch, was abducted in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, 2025, by unknown gunmen who stormed the palace around midnight, firing sporadically before whisking the monarch away to an unknown location.
According to him the incident has caused widespread panic in the community.
Karimi expressed deep concern over the audacity of the attackers, noting that as of the time of his motion, the kidnappers had not made any contact with the monarch’s family or issued any ransom demand.
He explained that Okoloke, a border community with Kwara State, has historically been peaceful, housing both Hausa and Fulani settlers living in harmony.
However, he lamented that criminal elements had recently infiltrated the area, endangering lives and security.
The senator further noted that while there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the incident, local vigilantes and concerned residents have begun combing the area for clues to aid in the monarch’s rescue.
During the debate, lawmakers expressed alarm at the incident and emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action from all security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted monarch.
The Senate also urged local and state governments to rise to their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding lives and property within their domains.
The lawmakers went on to recommend improved support and remuneration for vigilante groups, recognizing their importance in grassroots-level security.
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The Senate further commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the National Security Adviser to establish Forest Guards across the country as part of broader efforts to tackle rising insecurity.
Lawmakers also used the opportunity to draw the President’s attention to the Nigerian Forest Security Service (Establishment) Bill, which is currently awaiting his assent.
This latest kidnapping, comes as federal lawmakers prepare to convene a national security summit aimed at formulating lasting solutions to Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
The Senate concluded by stressing the need for a holistic review of the nation’s security architecture, warning that incidents like these must not become normalized.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
