Kidnappers of the Plateau Traditional Ruler and the paramount ruler of Pyem Chiefdom of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government of Plateau State, His Royal Highness, Charles Mato Dakat who was kidnapped on Sunday morning have placed a demand of N500 million before his release.
A source in the traditional Council (name withheld) informed CAPITAL POST on Tuesday that the abductors spoke to some members of the traditional Council through the cell phone of the paramount ruler. “Yes, we were able to communicate with them. It was the paramount ruler who first called and spoke to us.
“Thereafter, the abductors equally talked to us using the paramount ruler’s telephone. They told us that the paramount ruler is being treated well and is okay adding that they don’t have the intention of harming him, but all they were demanding is the sum of N500 million for his release. That is all I can tell you for now”.
It would be recalled that the traditional ruler was abducted from his palace in the early hours of Sunday 26th December, 2021 by kidnappers suspected to be Fulani bandits.
Since the abduction, there has not been any statement from the Plateau State government on the issue.
However the Gindiri Old Students Association (GOSA) which the traditional ruler is a member has called on its members to sustain prayers for his release.
A statement signed and issued by the Spokesman of the Association Yakubu Taddy said GOSA received with shock and sadness the kidnap of the paramount ruler of Gindiri and one of its very active members, His Royal Highness, Charles Mato Dakat in the early hours of Sunday 26 December, 2021.
“The GOSA President, Engr Sunday Hyat in a statement in Jos prayed that the abductors reconsider their stand and immediately release the monarch.
“Hyat said since becoming the Sum Pyem, Charles Mato Dakat has become a rallying point for unity and progress of not only the Pyem people but Mangu Local Government and the country at large.
“He noted that the Sum Pyem’s leadership has ensured that educational institutions, particularly in the Gindiri Compound strive in his jurisdiction without rancour.
“Engineer Sunday Hyat who is the Plateau State Head of Civil Service appreciated efforts taken by His Excellency, Rt Hon Simon Bako and the security agencies to tract down the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
“While calling on security agencies to double up effort and ensure the safe return of the Gindiri monarch, he called on GOSA members everywhere they are to sustain prayers for his release and the safety of all Nigerians.
“The GOSA President express solidarity with the immediate family of the Sum Pyem, the Pyem chiefdom, Mangu traditional council and the Government and people of Plateau State”.
