Funmi Odunlami Omisanya
After 72 hours in captivity, abductors of the traditional ruler of Oso Ajowa-Akoko, Oba Clement Olukotun, in the Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, have contacted his family, demanding N100m ransom for his release.
Oba Jimoh was abducted on Thursday at about 10.15pm, at his residence by some armed men who took him to an unknown destination.
A source narrated that when the gunmen stormed his residence, they shot sporadically into the air. They also shot at the main door of the monarch’s residence to gain access into building.
A source in the family told our correspondent on Saturday that, “The kidnappers have contacted the family and demanded N100m.”
According to the source, a combined forces of the police and local hunters have begun intensive search for the monarch, combing the forest from Ajowa to Kogi State border communities.
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The source added, “We received a call from them early today. One of the family members received the call. We can now confirm that the invaders were kidnappers. They demanded a sum of N100m as ransom for Kabiyesi to be set free. Where can we get such a huge amount? This is beyond our reach.
“We are pleading with the Ondo State Government, leaders of Akoko North-West Local Government and other Nigerians to help us out, so that Kabiyesi can be released sound and safe from where he is being held captive.”
It was also gathered that the residents of the community had sought spiritual assistance, as they organised an inter-denominational service to pray for the release and safe return of the monarch.
A community leader, Mr Soji Ogedengbe, disclosed that an interdenominational prayer, fasting and vigil were ongoing for the purpose of getting the kidnapped monarch released.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the men of the command were still in the forest to rescue the monarch.
“Efforts are still ongoing to rescue the victim,” the police spokesperson said.
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