Gunmen abduct Kogi traditional ruler
Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted David Wada, the District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State. Wada was returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, headquarters of Omala LGA, when he ran into the ambush at Ojuwo Ugweche around 5 p.m. on Monday. Eyewitnesses said the […]
police
Armed men suspected to be kidnappers have abducted David Wada, the District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Wada was returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, headquarters of Omala LGA, when he ran into the ambush at Ojuwo Ugweche around 5 p.m. on Monday. Eyewitnesses said the attackers seized him at gunpoint and whisked him into the bush.
Residents said Ojuwo Ugweche has become notorious for kidnappings, despite previous deployments of security and vigilante personnel to curb attacks.
“Unfortunately, there was no security presence on Monday, giving the hoodlums free passage,” said Maji Ahiaba, a resident.
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Confirming the incident, the Onu of Ife and Chairman of Omala Council of Chiefs, HRH Boniface Musa, appealed for urgent rescue efforts.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Aya, said operatives, hunters, and vigilantes have been deployed to comb the forests for the victim’s safe release.
The abduction comes against the backdrop of past communal crises in Bagana, Bagaji, Agojeju Odo, and Ajokpachi Odo, where bandits killed many people before peace was restored last year following military deployments ordered by Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.
Meanwhile, fear grips the traditional ruler’s family and subjects as the kidnappers are yet to contact anyone since the incident.