The family of a first-class traditional ruler, Pa. Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke community of Yagba West local government, Kogi State, being held captive by kidnappers, has cried out to public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to help them complete the N50m ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
The first-class traditional ruler was abducted from his palace by 2am last Thursday and forcefully taken to an unknown destination.
The palace has debunked the media report that the ransom has been reduced to N12 million by the abductors.
According to a source, “as of Sunday the family members have raised the sum of N25m, but the kidnappers are insisting on N50m. They originally demanded N100m.”
He explained that their major frustration as a family was that some politicians who were their friends had abandoned them, lamenting that some of them had even blocked their lines.
He added that they were highly worried because the health of their king was deteriorating.
He also called on Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon Leke Abejide, Hon Faleke, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduagham and other politicians from the state and the local government chairmen to help them raise the fund.
He pleaded 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 upper hand in their work to rescue all victims in captivity,” he said.
