Yakubu Busari, Jos
Abducted Paramount ruler of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Charles Mato Dakata, has regained freedom after five days in captivity with his abductors.
Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Jos.
Takwa said that troops of the operation were immediately dispatched to the area and surrounding communities for search and rescue operation immediately the kidnap occurred on December 26, 2021.
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapped incidence
The suspected bandits who abducted the Paramount Ruler of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Charles Mato Dakat, took good care of him, a palace source said on Friday.
The monarch, who was freed in the early hours of Friday was taken to the hospital for a checkup, according to a palace source.
A palace source said the abductors bought drugs for the monarch and did not maltreat him.
The source said: “We thank God that our paramount ruler is now released and is in good condition.
“Immediately after his release, he was taken to a hospital. Not that he is in a bad condition, but it’s the normal checkup which is necessary after being outside his home for days.
“As a matter of fact, the abductors got him fresh drugs as he couldn’t carry along with him the ones he has been taking at home, so we thank God for everything.
On whether ransom was paid, the source said: “This cannot be ruled out but for me, it is not important.
“Whether ransom was paid or not does not necessarily matter now. What matters at the moment is that our paramount ruler is now released and we give God the glory.”
The traditional ruler was abducted from his palace at about 1am on Sunday.
Two days later, the abductors called through his phone and demanded N500 million ransom.
