The Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed full medical rehabilitation and psychological restoration for Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, who was recently freed from kidnappers.

The first-class traditional ruler of Okoloke in Yagba West Local Council was abducted from his palace on May 15, 2025. He was discovered at a designated location in the bush by family members at about 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, as directed by the kidnappers. The family quickly conveyed him on a motorcycle to the nearest road before securing a vehicle to rush him to ECWA Hospital in Egbe.

The Guardian learnt that upon hearing of the monarch’s release, Ododo ordered his transfer from ECWA Hospital Egbe to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja for comprehensive medical care.

One family member said: “As I speak with you, we are already heading to the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, on the order of the state governor. The governor has taken over the rehabilitation of the traditional ruler. We are so grateful to the governor for his love and compassion.”

The monarch was abducted at gunpoint by kidnappers who demanded a ransom of N100 million for his release. His abduction caused widespread panic in Yagba West, where incidents of kidnapping have become alarmingly frequent.

Residents of the local council turned to prayer, seeking divine intervention for the monarch’s safe return. Their prayers appeared answered, as Ogunyanda was freed unharmed, unlike other victims of abduction in Okunland during the same period.

Tragically, a 72-year-old retired Major, kidnapped a few days after the monarch, was found dead despite the payment of a N10 million ransom.

The release of Ogunyanda sparked jubilant celebrations in Okoloke, with residents gathering at his palace to express their relief and gratitude. Although the monarch did not return to the palace immediately, community members spent the night rejoicing with his family and giving thanks to God.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed frustration and anger, alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done little to address the ongoing violence in Plateau State.

The group raised concerns over continued attacks by suspected Fulani terrorists on various communities in the predominantly Christian state, resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of homes and farms.

HURIWA criticised the federal government for being “insensitive to the bloodletting” in Plateau State. “We in HURIWA are absolutely gutted that the determined and well-funded killers of Christian natives in Plateau State have been permitted to continue their killing sprees,” the group stated.

The association accused top security officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, of failing to stop the violence.

HURIWA expressed shock at reports that at least 96 houses were destroyed on Monday during a violent attack in Gyenbwas, Langai District, in the Mangu Local Council of Plateau State. The group’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, attributed the continued violence to failures in intelligence and security.

Eyewitnesses and residents disclosed that the attackers looted food supplies, mattresses, cattle, and other valuables before setting homes ablaze.

Onwubiko described the attack in Gyenbwas as part of a series of violent incidents that have plagued the state.

The group pledged solidarity with the people and government of Plateau State while calling on security chiefs to resign if they are unable to end the killings.