The Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, HRM Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang, has been released by his abductors after payment of a N50 million ransom.
Gunmen invaded his palace in Ebughu at about 9pm on 18 May 2024, and shot his wife, Obonganwan Okon Abang, in the leg before whisking him away to an unknown destination.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Timfon John, confirmed the release of the monarch on Monday, May 27.
“Yes, it’s true he has been released, but didn’t give any insight as to whether money changed hands,” she added.
However, a community leader, who spoke to the Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said the monarch regained freedom after payment of N50m ransom.
“The monarch was released early this (Monday) morning and I can tell you the abductors collected N50 million to release him. The community is bitter, especially from the 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,” the source said.
“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.”
