Kidnappers release abducted Akwa Ibom monarch after payment of N50m ransom

• He said the community has been seething with rage after realising that some youths in the community are among the kidnappers

Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang, has regained his freedom from the assailants who kidnapped him last week.

The monarch, who was abducted from his Ebughu Palace, was released after a reported N50 million ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

The State Police Spokesman, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the release of the monarch.

John simply said, “Yes, it’s true” he has been released, but didn’t state whether money changed hands.

A community leader, who spoke in confidence with newsmen, also confirmed the development.

He said the community has been seething with rage after realising that some youths in the community are among the kidnappers, adding that the ordeal of the monarch was spurred by greed and envy of certain individuals in the community.

“The monarch was released early this (Monday) morning and I can tell you the abductors collected 50 Million Naira 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 medicare and his wife who was shot while he was being abducted is recuperating fast and will be discharged soon.”

The abductors stormed the palace at about 9pm on 18 May, shooting indiscriminately before whisking the monarch away, leaving his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, shot in the leg.

The incident had amplified concerns over the escalating insecurity in the state, particularly the killing and kidnapping of important figures, with the Oro ethnic bloc of the state being most vulnerable due to its deplorable road network and the porosity of its waterways.