Gunmen who kidnapped Charles Mato Dakat, the paramount ruler of Pyem Chiefdom in Plateau State, have demanded a ransom of $50 million in exchange for his release.
According to a palace source, the kidnappers used the king’s phone to contact family members and make their demands known.
The monarch’s palace was attacked by gunmen in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 26th.
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The family negotiated a payment of $30 million, according to a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Nation, but the kidnappers have yet to make their stand after promising to return.
“We were able to communicate with them,” says the narrator. The paramount ruler was the one who first called and spoke with us.
“After that, the abductors called us on the phone of the paramount ruler.”
“They assured us that the paramount ruler is being treated well and is in good health, and that they have no plans to harm him.”
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“They claimed all they wanted in exchange for his release was N50 million.” For the time being, that’s all I have to say.”
“They also called on Tuesday, and the family negotiated a N30 million ransom with a promise to return.”
“As of right now, we haven’t heard from them,” the source said.
