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.
The family of a first-class traditional ruler abducted by kidnappers has made a passionate appeal to public-spirited individuals and corporate organizations for financial assistance in raising the N50 million ransom demanded by the captors.
The monarch, Pa Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, was abducted from his palace around 2:00 a.m. last Thursday. He was reportedly taken away by force to an undisclosed location, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
A reliable source from the palace, who spoke with Leadership, dismissed media reports suggesting that the ransom demand had been reduced to N12 million, insisting that the kidnappers have maintained their initial demand of N50 million.
The family, overwhelmed by the situation, continues to plead for support from the public to help secure the monarch’s safe release.
The source said, “As at yesterday Sunday we the family members, have raised the sum of N25m, but the kidnappers are insisting on N50m. They originally demanded for N100m.
“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 N25m. We could have made up the N50m if we have had any help from our politicians.
“I therefore use this medium to appeal to all highly spirited individuals and corporate organization to help make up the N50m. 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 5 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 upper hand in their work to rescue all victims in captivity.”