The abducted Paramount Ruler in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, HRM Ogwong Okon A. Abang has been released after paying a N50 million ransom.
Confirming the monarch’s release, the State Police Spokesman ASP Timfon John said, “Yes, it’s true” he has been released, but didn’t give any insight as to whether money changed hands.”
According to a community leader, who pleaded anonymity, “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.
READ ALSO:
Tenure Extension: A’Ibom Assembly Begins Performance Assessment Tour Of Council Areas
A’ibom Distributes Food Vouchers To Vulnerable
Fuel Sells For N1.500 per litre As Marketers Withdraw Services In A’Ibom
“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.”
New Telegraph recalls that; the abductors opened fire on the palace at 9 p.m. on May 18, dragging the king away and shooting his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, in the leg.
The tragedy heightened concerns about the state’s rising insecurity, particularly the death and kidnapping of prominent figures, with the Oro ethnic bloc being the most vulnerable due to the state’s destroyed road network and the porosity of its rivers.
