The traditional ruler of Mbo Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang, who was kidnapped on the night of May 18 from his Ebughu Palace, has been freed following the payment of a ransom reportedly amounting to N50 million.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the monarch’s release.
John simply said, “Yes, it’s true” he has been released, but didn’t give any insight as to whether money changed hands.”
But a community leader who craved anonymity, told newsmen that, “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 realisation 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 occupies. Long may he reign.
“The monarch has been taken to an hospital for proper medicare and his wife who was shot while he was being abducted is recuperating fast and would be discharged soon.”
The kidnappers struck at the palace around 9 p.m. on the fateful night of May 18, wielding roaring guns as they dragged the monarch away.
During the attack, his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, was shot in the leg.
This incident has intensified concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the state, particularly the targeting of prominent individuals.
The Oro ethnic bloc has been especially vulnerable due to its collapsed road infrastructure and the porosity of its waterways.
