The gunmen that abducted a local monarch at Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State have demanded N100 million as ransom. 

Clement Jimoh Olukotun, the Oloso of Oso at Ajowa-Akoko, was kidnapped on Thursday evening after the kidnappers stormed the palace around 10:15 p.m. 

On Saturday, a family member told Peoples Gazette that the abductors of the traditional ruler “phoned” in around 6:00 a.m. to demand the heavy ransom. 

“They demanded a sum of N100 million as a ransom for Kabiyesi (Olukotun) to be let off the hook. Where do we get such a huge amount of money? This is beyond our reach,” the source, who pleaded to remain anonymous, said. 

Meanwhile, the police said they are working to secure the release of the traditional ruler. 

Funmilayo Odunlami, police spokesperson in the state, told The Gazette that detectives are “combing” the areas in their investigations to unravel the hideouts of the gunmen. 

She added that the combined forces of security agencies and local hunters have started intensive combing of the sprawling forest of Ajowa to border towns of Kogi state.

While awaiting the help of the police for his safe release, the families of Mr Olukotun have asked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to help bail the traditional ruler.  

“We are pleading with the state government, leaders of Akoko North-West local government and other Nigerians to help us out, so that Kabiyesi can be released sound and safe from where he was being held captive,” another family member said in a phone chat.