The royal father of Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Robert Eze who was abducted by four gunmen suspected to be kidnappers yesterday regained his freedom after nine days in captivity.
Eze, who is the younger brother
of billionaire oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze regained freedom in the early hours of yesterday and had returned home to his palace in Ukpo.
Eze was abducted from his palace on Sunday, July 29, 2012 shortly after returning from church service at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Ukpo, very close to his palace. The gunmen, according to eyewitnesses operated in a green Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and shot sporadically as they took him away.
Confirming his release, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Ralph Uzoigwe (DSP) said though the monarch had regained his freedom, the abductors must be brought to book as the command would fish them out wherever they might run to.
Daily Sun gathered that the monarch was released at about 12 midnight somewhere around Enugu State and arrived home at about 2am. At press time, the palace had become a mecca of sort as thousands of people trooped in to thank God for his release.
Among the early callers at the palace were traditional rulers, clergymen, his Ukpo subjects and the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Professor Chinyere Okunna, who it was gathered came on the directive of the governor to confirm the return of the monarch.
Though security at the palace was beefed up, the royal father was unable to come out in the public but was said to have earlier came out to the balcony of his house and waved to the people who were happy seeing him.
Daily Sun also gathered that arrangement had been concluded by his billionaire brother, Prince Arthur Eze to fly him to Germany for medical treatment. It was not clear whether any ransom was paid before his release, but the kidnappers were reported to have demanded N100 million before his release.
Reacting to his release, the member, representing Dunukofia in the state Assembly, Mr Olibe John thanked God for sparing the life of the monarch, but noted that it was a shame that the traditional institution was so desecrated. He said the House would give the issue of security for traditional rulers a nod, but added that it would be for general security in the state.
SOURCE-DAILY SUN
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