Another Kogi Monarch, Wife Abducted

The monarch of Idofin, Yagba East council area of Kogi state, Oba Shedrack Durojaye Obibeni, has been kidnapped alongside his wife.

The incident allegedly took place at about 5:30 pm on Monday, along the Makutu-Idofin road in the council area.

Reports say Oba Obibeni’s car was flagged down by the heavily armed gunmen and subsequently taken to an unknown destination.

Yagba East council chairman, Abdulrazak Asiru, who confirmed the incident, noted however, that abduction is a rare occurrence in the council area as security is priotized, adding that nothing of the nature has taken place in Yagba East in the last two years.

“...the people of Yagba East are in great shock over the kidnap of our respected Oba and his wife this evening,” he told reporters, adding that notice has been sent to all traditional rulers and community leaders in Okunland to be vigilant and conduct a thorough search for the abducted monarch and his wife.

“As we speak, our hunters and vigilante group are already out into the forests, searching for the criminals so as to rescue our Oba and his wife as soon as possible.”

The state police command spokesperson, SP William Aya, also confirmed the incident, adding that efforts are being intensified to ensure that the abducted monarch and his wife are released unharmed. According to him, the state police boss, Hakeem Adesina Yusuf, has already ordered the deployment of tactical security operatives to work with local vigilantes in tracking and arresting the abductors.

“We are already on the trail of the abductors of the monarch and his wife. Men of the command, in synergy with other sister security operatives, hunters and vigilantes are on the track of the hoodlums,” Aya said.