Kaduna Traditional Ruler Regains Freedom After 10 Days in Captivity

John Shiklam

The paramount ruler of Ikulu chiefdom, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Chief Yohanna Sidi Kukah, has regained his freedom after spending 10 days in captivity.

The traditional ruler who is the younger brother of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese was released yesterday afternoon.

A member of the Ikulu Traditional Council, Allahmagani Yohanna, who announced the release of the monarch in a statement on behalf of the chiefdom yesterday evening, said Kukah was hale and hearty and had since joined his family.

“With gratitude to God, we the entire Ikulu nation wish to announce the release of our royal father, Mr. Yohanna Sidi Kukah, the Agwam Akulu, this afternoon.

“He is hale and hearty. We will like to thank the security agencies, various religious and traditional rulers, the media and the public for their support, prayers and solidarity,” the statement said.

Kukah was abducted in his private residence in Anchuna village on January 2, 2018 by unknown gunmen.

The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N100 million but later reduced it to N20 million.

The statement did not say whether the ransom was paid, but sources said a ransom was paid for the release of the traditional ruler.

According to the source, the Ikulu Development Association (IDA) approached some prominent and wealthy sons of the chiefdom to contributed money for the payment of the ransom.

The source did not however, say how much was raised or how much was paid to the kidnappers.