The traditional ruler of Aghara, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Chief David Obadofin, has reportedly died in the custody of his abductors, 12 days after being kidnapped. According to a family source, the monarch passed away last Thursday due to torture inflicted by his captors.
The abductors had agreed to collect a ransom of N2m for the release of the monarch and a woman named Temidayo Elewa, but Pa Obadofin’s deteriorating health prompted them to blindfold Elewa and move her to a different location in the bush while waiting for the ransom to be delivered. Sadly, Pa Obadofin died before the ransom could be delivered to his abductors.
Locals report that Elewa, who was abducted alongside the monarch, has since been released and reunited with her family. She was found wandering in the bush by sawing machine operators, who helped her. The abductors reportedly freed Elewa upon learning of the advancing search group of hunters, vigilantes, and Fulani volunteers.
The late monarch, a major cashew farmer, and Elewa were kidnapped by unknown gunmen from his farm residence in Aghara on Easter Monday, with the abductors demanding a N60m ransom. During the invasion, madam Toyin Onare, a widow working as a laborer on the farm, was also killed.
