A second-class traditional ruler and District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, His Royal Highness David Wada, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
The monarch was reportedly abducted around 5 p.m. on Monday while returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, the headquarters of Omala LGA. He was waylaid at Ojuwo Ugweche under gun threat and whisked into the bush.
According to locals, the monarch, who was being conveyed on a motorcycle, ran into an ambush at the dangerous Ugweche spot. “They forcibly commandeered him into the bush while the rider escaped by the whiskers,” one resident said.
The Ojuwo Ugweche axis, notorious for kidnappings, is usually manned by vigilantes and security operatives. However, eyewitnesses said that on the fateful day, “there was no single security personnel at the scene.”
Although government had earlier drafted the military and other security agencies to Omala, residents lamented that insecurity and criminality have continued unabated in the area.
Confirming the incident, the paramount ruler of Omala Local Government, HRH Boniface Musa, the Onu Ife, said:
“Yes, it is true. The District Head of Bagaji Odo, HRH David Wada, has been kidnapped. I appeal to the security agencies to ensure his safe rescue without delay.”
Also speaking, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Aya, said efforts were underway to rescue the monarch.
“Our men, in collaboration with hunters, vigilante and other state actors, have mobilised to comb the bush for his release,” he said.
Recall that in the wake of fatal killings and the burning of Bagana, Bagaji, Agojeju Odo and Ajokpachi Odo communities by bandits, the administration of Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo deployed detachments of the military and other security agencies to the area. However, locals say the carnage has persisted, with Fulani herders “blatantly taking grips of the forests.”
As of the time of filing this report, the abductors have not established contact with the family.
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