Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The family of Pa. Dada James Ogunyanda, the traditional ruler of Okoloke community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, having raised the sum of N25 million, is seeking for an additional N25 million to complete the sum of N50 million demanded as ransom by his kidnappers.
Recall that Pa. Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke community, was kidnapped from his palace last Thursday and forcefully led to an unknown place.
A source from the palace, who contacted journalists on phone, refuted the media report that the ransom has been negotiated down to N12million .
“As at Sunday, we his family members, have raised the sum of N25 million, but the kidnappers are insisting that we must pay M50 million before he would be released. His abductors initially demanded for N100m.
“Our major frustration is that, the government and politicians who are our friends and cousins have abandoned us in the struggle to save the life of the traditional ruler.
“Some of them have even blocked our phone lines and we are no longer accessing them to ask for assistance.
“We are highly worried because the life of our king is deteriorating. That was why we struggled to sell our belongings to raise the sum of N25 million. We could have made up the N50 million if we have had any help from our politicians.
“I therefore, use this medium to appeal to highly spirited individuals and corporate organizations 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 LG 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 religious leaders not to relent in their prayers for God’s intervention.
“We are also appealing to security agencies to intensify in their efforts to rescue the old man alive and unhurt. We value him so much. We are praying that God will give security agencies upper hand in their work to rescue all victims in captivity” the source added