The family of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke held captive by kidnappers have appealed for help to complete the N50m ransom demanded by kidnappers to free the monarch.
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.
A source from the palace who contacted our correspondent on phone debunked the media report that the ransom have been reduced to N12million by the abductors
“As at yesterday Sunday, we as family members have raised the sum of N25million, but the kidnappers are insisting on N50million. They originally demanded for N100million.
“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 N25million. We could have made up the N50million if we have had any help from our politicians.
“I therefore use this medium to appeal to all highly spirited individuals and corporate organisation to help make up the N50million. 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 since 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 in 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.”