The family of the first-class traditional ruler held captive by kidnappers are crying to public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to help them complete the N50m ransom demanded by kidnappers.
Pa. Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke community of Yagba West local government, Kogi State was abducted from his palace by 2am last week Thursday and forcefully led to unknown destination.
Source from the palace who contacted our correspondent on phone debunked the media report that the ransom has been reduced to N12million by the abductors.
“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,” the family source said.
