Kidnapped Kogi monarch regains freedom

THE kidnapped traditional ruler in Kogi state, Ohi of Ajaokuta, Alhaji Musa Achuja, was on Wednesday released by his abductors.

The monarch was said to have been released after the family and the kidnappers agreed on a ransom for his freedom.

Tribune Online however gathered that N3 million was paid to secure the release of Achuja.

Sources said the kidnappers had on Tuesday brought down their ransom demand from the initial N20 million to N5 million with a threat not to release the monarch until the money is paid.

It was however learnt that one of the sons of the monarch, (names witheld), who was communicating with the abductors was able to reach a compromise on the amount to be paid.

Achuja was however said to have been dropped around Elaite along Lokoja-Ajaokuta road at about 12 pm on Wednesday.

It would be recalled that the traditional ruler was last Saturday abducted around the same Elaite when he was returning to home from Lokoja.

The driver of the monarch, Ahmed Jamiu and one of his aides, Adoju Bello that were with him managed to escape after the people had disposed them of their valuables.

Jamiu said the kidnappers were many in number when they attacked the Lexus car in which they were traveling in the day after which they were accosted to the forest.

Confirming the release of the monarch, the secretary, traditional council of Ajaokuta, Ali Duze, said the traditional ruler was released in good condition.

He said he was hale and hearty but needed sometime to recuperate because of the effects of the five days spent in the kidnappers’ den.

He however expressed appreciation to the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the sole administrator of Ajaokuta local government area, Mustapha Aka’aba, for their support during the period of incarceration of the monarch.