Family of abducted traditional ruler cries out for help from politicians, bankers, traders, journalists, et al
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Individuals and corporate organisations have been urged by the family of a traditional ruler in Kogi to help complete the N50 million ransom demanded by his abductors who have held him captive for six days running.
Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke community in Yagba West Council of Kogi, was abducted from his palace at 2am on May 15 and forcefully led to unknown destination.
A source in the palace denied media report that the ransom has been reduced to N12 million by the criminals.
“As at yesterday Sunday we the family members, have raised the sum of N25 million, but the kidnappers are insisting on N50 million. They originally demanded for N100 million,” the source told LEADERSHIP.
“Our major frustration as a family is that some politicians who are our friends and cousins have abandoned us in the struggle to save the life of the traditional ruler, especially members of the National Assembly from Kogi West and of Kabba origin.
“Some of them have even blocked our lines and we are no longer accessing help from expected quarters.
“We are highly worried because the life of our king is deteriorating. That was why we struggled to sell our belongings to raise N25 million. We could have made up the N50 million if we had any help from our politicians.
“I therefore use this medium to appeal to all highly spirited individuals and corporate organisations to help make up the N50 million. The life of our king is in danger, we need help from anywhere possible – journalists, bankers, teachers, traders, etc.
“We call on Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon Leke Abejide, Hon Faleke, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduagham and other politicians from the state and local government chairmen to help us raise this fund; the entire family is in distress over the welfare of our king, who was abducted five days ago.
“We are also pleading with all Pastors and Imams not to relent in their prayers for God’s intervention.
“We are also appealing to the security agencies to intensify their efforts to rescue the old man alive and unhurt. We value him so much. We are praying that God will give the security agencies an upper hand in their work to rescue all victims in captivity.”
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