The abductors of Lagos traditional ruler, Oniba of Iba Town, Oba Yushau Oseni have called to explain why they kidnapped the royal father.

According to Vanguardngr’s report on Saturday, the abductors told the Oba’s family that the N500 million ransom they are demanding is not the only reason they abducted the oba.

A family source also told the news outlet that the abduction was to get the attention of the government and other influential people.

The source said, “They (kidnappers ) said that he (Oba) is highly influential in the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration and the administration recognises his contribution to the development of the state. But a member of the family who spoke with the abductors begged them yet they refused even as they assured the family that the king was safe with them.”

 

It was also gathered that the abductors claimed that they abducted the monarch as a warning to the Federal Government and to attract the attention of both the Federal and state governments

 

According to one of the palace staff, “the kidnappers during conversation argued that they could not continue their pipeline vandalism because President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has intensified security around the pipelines, hence, the option of kidnapping.”

 

The kidnappers were said to have threatened that it was the beginning of their operation, saying, “South-West states should be prepared for more.”

 

One of the children of the monarch, said the family members of the Oba have gone into serious prayer sessions as immediate and extended families of the monarch were worried over his state of health and continued captivity.

“We are appealing to them (kidnappers) not to hurt him and allow him return home safely,” he begged.