Tension mounts as kidnapped Ondo monarch spends four days in captivity

The agrarian community of Oso in Ajowa-Akoko, Akoko Council Area of Ondo State, has continued to be mournful as the monarch of the town, Oloso of Oso, Oba Clement Jimoh Olukotun, has spent the fourth day in captivity.

Oba Jimoh was last week kidnapped by gunmen who stormed his palace before whisking him away to an unknown destination.

The Guardian learnt that the kidnappers who had earlier demanded N100 million for his release, yesterday, reduced the ransom to N10 million after contacting the family.

Following the abduction of the monarch, an emergency meeting of security stakeholders was held yesterday, at Oke-Agbe Akoko the headquarters of the council.

At the meeting, the Chairman, Akoko Northwest Traditional Council, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, expressed worry over the incident, stressing that the situation was giving everyone sleepless nights.

Oba Olanipekun, who spoke on behalf of other monarchs in the area, told non-natives in farm settlements to assist the community to rescue the monarch within 24 hours.

While shedding tears, the elder brother of the kidnapped monarch, Samuel Olukotun, revealed that the abductors vowed to kill the traditional ruler if they failed to pay the N10 million ransom.
The family members also appealed to Ondo State government and security agencies to assist in rescuing their brother alive.

Chairman of the Local Council, Ayodele Akande, said efforts had begun on the part of government towards ensuring safety of the citizenry.

Akande at the meeting explained that the state governor had tried in the area of security, particularly in the establishment of Amotekun corps.