Kogi: Monarch Dies in Custody of Kidnappers

 

By Nurat Uthman

The traditional ruler of Aghara, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Chief David Obadofin has died in custody of his abductors.

He was said to have passed on last Thursday, 12 days after he was kidnapped when he could no longer withstand the torture of his captivity.

Also, his co-abductee Temidayo Elewa has been set free.

She was freed at Obajana in the Lokoja Local Government Area of the State, from where family members picked her up on Saturday morning, for medical attention.

A source involved in the negotiation for their release confirmed these on Sunday.

It was gathered that when the abductors noticed that Pa. Obadofin was becoming too weak, they agreed to collect N2,000,000 for the release of the two victims and started mounting pressure for the payment.

Meanwhile, they blindfolded Temidayo and separated her to a different location. Unfortunately, the monarch died before ransom could be delivered.

Conscious of the advance of a search group, made up of hunters, vigilantes and some Fulani volunteers, the gunmen set Temidayo free.

“She allegedly roamed the jungle alone that Thursday to Friday. After many hours she met a sawing machine operator, who eventually led her to freedom.

She claims that the search party nabbed one of the suspects who has allegedly helped in efforts to recover Pa Obadofin’s corpse could not be ascertained.

“We have seen the lady and taken her to hospital. We picked her up in a village behind Obajana. As for Baba, we know he is dead but we are still combing the jungle for his remains.

“We will not let go because we are confident that God will guide our efforts to the root of this disaster. We will not let go or give up…” An anonymous source involved in the operations said.

Obadofin, a major Cashew farmer and Temidayo were abducted on Easter Monday from his farm residence in Aghara at about 11 pm. The gunmen shot Madam Toyin Onare, a widow who was in the farm as a labourer.

Toyin was rushed to hospital in Kabba, headquartres of the LGA, about 35 minutes drive away. Unfortunately, she was confirmed dead on arrival.

There were concerns about the monarch’s chances of survival as he was said to be on medication for age-related diseases aside from the trauma and rough treatment he received from the gunmen. Kogi police command confirmed the attack.

The gunmen made contact the following day, demanding N60,000,000 ransom. The late chief allegedly said the gunmen fed them with roasted yam.

“This is a terrible situation. Fulani herdsmen have long surrounded us. We raised alarm when they started coming, but our concerns were ignored. Now we are seeing the result. This is unfortunate. Government should quickly come to our rescue.” an anonymous source said.

Gunmen attacks are becoming regular in the area. In November, another widow narrowly survived a rape attempt in Takete Ide, when a herder attacked her on her way from the farm.

There has also been a rampage of gunmen in parts of Kogi East Senatorial zone. On Sunday, April 9, not less than 8 people were killed and 40 houses razed in gunmen attack in Oganenigu, Dekina LGA of the State.