The Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang, who was kidnapped in his Ebughu Palace, has been released after alleged payment of N50 million ransom.
The police spokesman in the State, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the release of the monarch, but did not say if ransom was paid.
“Yes, it’s true he has been released,” ASP John said
However, reports quoting an unnamed community leader, said: “The monarch was released early this (Monday) morning and I can tell you the abductors collected N50million to release him.
“The community is bitter, especially from the realization that some youths from within were among the kidnappers. We have vowed to get to the bottom of this and bring them to book.
“This whole thing is induced by sheer greed and then envy by some mischievous community stakeholders over the exalted stool the paramount rulers occupy. Long may he reign!
“The monarch has been taken to a hospital for proper medical attention and his wife who was shot while he was being abducted is recuperating fast and will be discharged soon.”
The abductors struck the palace at about 9pm on May 18, with roaring gunshots as they dragged the monarch away, leaving his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, shot in the leg.
The incident had heightened worries over the escalating insecurity in the State, particularly the killing and kidnapping of important personalities, with the Oro ethnic bloc of the State most vulnerable due to its collapsed road network and the porosity of its waterways.
