Chief David Obadofin, the traditional ruler of Aghara in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has passed away in the custody of his abductors after enduring torture for 12 days. The unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday, leaving family members and residents of the area in shock and grief.
It was reported that Chief Obadofin was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Easter Monday from his farm residence in Aghara. The kidnappers also took a co-abductee, Temidayo Elewa, and shot Madam Toyin Onare, a widow who was in the farm as a labourer. Unfortunately, Toyin Onare did not survive the attack and passed away shortly after being rushed to the hospital in Kabba, which is about 35 minutes drive away.
The gunmen demanded a ransom of N60 million the following day and were said to have tortured the victims, making it difficult for Chief Obadofin to survive. When they noticed that he was becoming too weak, they agreed to collect N2 million for the release of the two victims and started mounting pressure for the payment. Tragically, the monarch died before the ransom could be delivered.
Meanwhile, the co-abductee, Temidayo Elewa, was blindfolded and taken to a different location, where she roamed the jungle alone from Thursday to Friday. Fortunately, she met a sawing machine operator who led her to freedom. The kidnappers released her at Obajana in the Lokoja Local Government Area of the State, where family members picked her up on Saturday morning for medical attention.
The kidnappers released Temidayo Elewa when they became conscious of the advance of a search group, made up of hunters, vigilantes and some Fulani volunteers. It is reported that the search party nabbed one of the suspects who has allegedly helped in efforts to recover Chief Obadofin’s corpse, although this has not been confirmed.
Gunmen attacks have become a regular occurrence in the area, and concerns are being raised about the security of residents. In November, another widow narrowly survived a rape attempt in Takete Ide, when a herder attacked her on her way from the farm. Furthermore, on Sunday, April 9, not less than 8 people were killed, and 40 houses razed in a gunmen attack in Oganenigu, Dekina LGA of the State.
The situation has left many residents feeling unsafe, and there have been calls for the government to take action to prevent further attacks. An anonymous source said, “This is a terrible situation. Fulani herdsmen have long surrounded us. We raised an alarm when they started coming, but our concerns were ignored. Now we are seeing the result. This is unfortunate. The government should quickly come to our rescue.”
The Kogi police command has confirmed the attack, and efforts are being made to recover Chief Obadofin’s remains. The family members and residents of Aghara are in mourning, and the incident has left a deep scar on the community.
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