Four days after a foremost traditional ruler in Irele council area of Ondo State, the Laragunsin of Iyasan, Oba Abiodun Oyewumi was abducted, a ransom of N40million has been demanded by his captors.
A reliable source told DAILY POST that the family were, however, pleading to pay N500,000 for the release of the Oba but that it was rejected by the kidnappers.
The kidnappers of the monarch reportedly opened the line of communication through his son Folarin Oyewunmi, who was in the palace when he was abducted on Monday at about 10pm.
It was gathered that the kidnappers phoneed Folarin and requested that a recharge card of N40,000 value be sent to them as a prelude to open discussion on the release of the Oba.
They reportedly insisted that until the recharge card was sent, they would continue to keep the Oba incomminicado from the family.
An unspecified amount of recharge card was sent by the family, after which the negotiation on the ransom commenced yesterday.
The son was reportedly allowed to speak with his father to show that he was with them and was hale and hearty.
It will be recalled that 10 unknown gunmen invaded the king's palace on Monday and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
The abductors on arrival in the town headed straight to the palace of the Oba and whisked him away without any resistance from palace guards or family members.
The kidnappers who came to the town through the Owena river were alleged to have been armed to the teeth, hence they operated for over 30minutes unhindered.
This development has sent fears to the entire community as reports had it that the streets have been deserted, while the people stayed indoor.
It was gathered that since the incident happened on Monday, the people of the community have refused to go to farm.
The state Police Image Maker Femi Joseph said the drag net of the state police command would soon catch the kidnappers.
Joseph added that there was no hiding place for the evil doers as the Oba would soon be rescued.
He claimed ignorant that the kidnappers had spoken to the family.
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