Nigerian kidnappers have truly gone commercial as the abductors of a Plateau monarch are demanding for a minimum of N500m ransom to release him.
The Traditional Ruler and the paramount ruler of Pyem Chiefdom of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government of Plateau State, His Royal Highness, Charles Mato Dakat who was kidnapped on Boxing day.
This was revealed by a source close to the traditional Council (name withheld) on Tuesday that the abductors spoke to some members of the traditional Council through the cell phone of the paramount ruler. “Yes, we were able to communicate with them. It was the paramount ruler who first called and spoke to us.
It would be recalled that the traditional ruler was abducted from his palace in the early hours of Sunday 26th December, 2021 by kidnappers suspected to be Fulani bandits.
Since the abduction, there has not been any statement from the Plateau State government on the issue.
However the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) which the traditional ruler is a member has called on its members to sustain prayers for his release.
A statement signed and issued by the Spokesman of the Association Yakubu Taddy said GOSA received with shock and sadness the kidnap of the paramount ruler of Gindiri and one of its very active members, His Royal Highness, Charles Mato Dakat in the early hours of Sunday 26 December, 2021.
“The GOSA President, Engr Sunday Hyat in a statement in Jos prayed that the abductors reconsider their stand and immediately release the monarch.
“Hyat said since becoming the Sum Pyem, Charles Mato Dakat has become a rallying point for unity and progress of not only the Pyem people but Mangu Local Government and the country at large.
“He noted that the Sum Pyem’s leadership has ensured that educational institutions, particularly in the Gindiri Compound strive in his jurisdiction without rancour.