By OBSERVERS TIMES
The Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy security forces to ensure the safe release of James Dada Ogunyada, the Obalohun of Oloke, a second-class monarch who was abducted from his palace in Yagba Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The resolution came on Thursday following a passionate motion raised by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West (APC), during the plenary session.
Senator Karimi informed the Senate that the monarch was seized in the early hours of Thursday by unidentified gunmen who invaded the palace around midnight. He stated that the incident has triggered widespread panic within the Okoloke community as the attackers fired gunshots to terrorize residents.
Expressing deep concern over the brazen nature of the abduction, Senator Karimi highlighted that the kidnappers have yet to establish contact with the monarch’s family or make any demands for ransom.
He further explained that Okoloke, a border town with Kwara State, had historically been a peaceful area where Hausa and Fulani settlers coexisted harmoniously. However, he lamented the recent infiltration of criminal elements into the community, which now poses a significant threat to the lives and property of its inhabitants.
Senator Karimi also noted the absence of any official statement from security agencies regarding the abduction. He added that local vigilantes and concerned members of the community have already initiated efforts to “comb” the surrounding areas for any clues that could assist in the monarch’s rescue.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, implored the governments of both Kogi and Kwara states to take decisive action to protect their citizens from such criminal activities. “This is very disheartening, and a lot of people are suffering from it,” he stated.
During the ensuing deliberations, senators unanimously expressed alarm over the incident and emphasized the critical need for a coordinated and swift response from all relevant security agencies to guarantee the safe return of the abducted monarch.
Lawmakers also recommended enhanced support and better remuneration for local vigilante groups, acknowledging their vital role in bolstering grassroots security efforts.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the abduction as “an affront to the authority of the state and the nation.” He assured that “I am sure the government is doing all its best to make sure that those who undertook this heinous crime will be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”
“We hope that he will be discovered and brought back to his palace as soon as possible,” Senator Jibrin added.
This plea for urgent action comes on the heels of the Senate’s resolution on Tuesday, where it urged the military to redeploy troops and modern equipment to Borno and Yobe states in response to the resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents. That resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Chief Whip of the Senate.
