Ododo Orders Rehabilitation  for  97-year-old Monarch after 27 Days in Captivity

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Following the release of the kidnapped monarch in Kogi State, the state Governor, Usman Ododo, has ordered full medical rehabilitation and psychological restoration for Oba James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke.

The first class traditional ruler of Okoloke community, Yagba West Local Government Area of the state, who was abducted by kidnappers, has regained freedom from his abductors.

Sources hinted that following  a directive from  the kidnappers, selected members of his family recovered him at a designated point in the bush and quickly conveyed him on a motorcycle and took him to the nearest road where they could get a vehicle, and was immediately rushed to ECWA Hospital in Egbe.

It was gathered that when the news of his release got to the state government, Governor Ododo directed that the monarch be discharged from ECWA Hospital Egbe and be brought to the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja for enhanced medical attention.

One of the family members informed journalists that: “As I speak with you, we are already heading to the Federal Medical Centre Lokoja on the order of Governor Ahmed Ododo. The governor has virtually taken over the rehabilitation of the traditional ruler, and we are so grateful to the governor for his love and compassion.”

The traditional ruler was abducted from his palace at gun point by kidnappers who placed a random of one hundred thousand naira for his release.

The abduction of the monarch triggered widespread panic across the state, particularly in Yagba West Local Government Area, where incidents of kidnapping have become alarmingly frequent.

The people of Yagba went spiritual seeking God’s intervention and his prompt release considering the age of the monarch.

Their prayers were answered because other victims of abduction within the same period in Okunland were killed in cold blood, while many are still being held captives in the forest.

However, a 72-year-old retired army major kidnapped few days after the monarch was not as lucky as he was found dead even after the payment of N10,000 ransom.

The family of Oba Ogunyanda is full of gratitude over the directive of Ododo for adequate medical rehabilitation and psychological restoration at the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja.

 Meanwhile, jubilation erupted at Okoloke community following the news of the release of their traditional ruler as crowd of jubilant members gathered in his palace to receive him.

Though the monarch did not eventually arrive in his palace, members of the community spent the night rejoicing with his family and singing praises to God Almighty.