Lawyer narrates ordeal of father’s abduction, murder despite ransom payment

An Abuja-based lawyer, Mr Bala Dakum, has recounted the harrowing ordeal of his 85-year-old father, Deh Idi Dakum, who was kidnapped and murdered in Matelem village, Bokkos Local Council of Plateau State, despite the family paying a ransom.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, Dakum revealed that the incident occurred on November 18 at about 7:00 p.m. when his father, the Galadima Nyam in Tangur District, was abducted. Days later, his decomposing body was discovered just a kilometre from their home.

“My father’s phone and that of my mother were taken during the abduction,” Dakum said. “Unknown to us, the kidnappers killed him the same day, even though my brother, Moses, had been in contact with them, negotiating for his release.”

Dakum explained that the family paid the ransom on November 20 after the abductors assured his brother, Moses, that their father would be freed. “They claimed he was with their gang near the village and promised to release him. However, he didn’t return that night,” Dakum recounted.

Subsequent communication with the kidnappers became strained. On November 23, one of the abductors demanded additional money, stating the ransom was insufficient. Shortly after, at about 9:00 a.m., Dakum’s father’s body was found in a nearby farm. He had been dead for days.

“We buried my father immediately in Matelem Village, in the presence of the District Head, the Bokkos Local Council Chairman, and security personnel from the STF stationed nearby,” he said.

The Plateau State Police Command was notified, and the Divisional Police Officer visited the scene to assess the situation and promise further action. Dakum lamented the insecurity in Matelem Village, which lies near a vast forest expanse of about 100 kilometres. He noted that the community, which suffered an earlier attack in February, remains vulnerable due to inadequate security. It was also gathered that the late elder had been kidnapped before in February 2023 but was released unharmed.