Bandits kill 3, demand N12m ransom for abducted Kogi monarch

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed three people at Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident which occurred on Saturday, May 17, 2025, came two days after bandits abducted a traditional ruler, Dada James Ogunyanda, from his palace in the community.

It was gathered that the assailants killed two local vigilantes and a telecommunications worker who had gone to inspect a telecommunications mast in the area on Saturday.

The vigilantes were said to be accompanying the telecoms staff to the site when they encountered the gunmen in the bush, who opened fire immediately.

Police nab herbalist, recover arms from shrine

Some residents of the community disclosed that the kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the monarch.

The ransom was however said to have been reduced to N12 million during ongoing negotiations.

It was further learnt that the Chairman of Yagba West LGA, Tosin Olokun, has visited the community.

Olokun assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the traditional ruler and to curtail the rising wave of banditry in the area.

The Kogi State Police Command has yet to speak on the incident as of press time.

The Star