By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The District Head of Bagaji Odo in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State, HRH David Wada, has been abducted by unknown gunmen.
The second-class monarch was returning from a traditional council meeting in Abejukolo, headquarters of the council area, when he was ambushed at Ojuwo Ugweche around 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Eyewitnesses said the attackers whisked him into the bush at gunpoint, while his motorcycle rider narrowly escaped.
Locals described the area as a notorious kidnapping hotspot usually guarded by security personnel, but no operatives were stationed there during the attack.
The paramount ruler of Omala, HRH Boniface Musa, confirmed the incident and appealed to security agencies to ensure Wada’s safe rescue. Police spokesman, SP Williams Aya, said hunters, vigilantes, and security operatives had been mobilised to comb the bush.
The abduction comes amid recurring violence in Omala communities, where armed herders have carried out killings and arson despite the deployment of military personnel and other security agencies.
As of press time, the kidnappers had yet to establish contact with the monarch’s family.
