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 has 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.
It was gathered that the monarch was released at about
12 midnight somewhere around Enugu State and arrived home at about 2a.m. 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.
We 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
brfore they were consequently arrested after serious gun battle .
One of the me was reported to be a former driver of the
Multi Billionaire .
Several vehicles and cash were also recovered from them
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.
