TheCable

Ibrahim Pada, the traditional ruler kidnapped in Rubochi community in Kuje area council of the federal capital territory (FCT), has regained freedom.

Bala Ciroma, FCT commissioner of police, confirmed the release of the monarch.

Pada was kidnapped at his residence around 1:30am on Wednesday. His attackers, who dressed in military uniform, reportedly shot in the air before whisking him away.

Two children of the traditional ruler were reportedly injured in the attack.

While in captivity, the third class monarch’s abductors had threatened to kill him if ransom was not paid.

The traditional ruler was reportedly released unhurt around 12pm on Saturday. He was said to have been dropped off at a forest in a neighbouring village in Gbawodi, in Toto local government area of Nasarawa state, after his family paid the ransom.

The kidnappers were said to have demanded N30 million from the family of the monarch but later reduced the amount to N6.5 million. It is unclear if any money was paid for his release.

Abuja has witnessed an increase in cases of kidnapping recently. In September, five persons were kidnapped in the city within 24 hours.

In October, nine persons, including a 12-year-old boy, were kidnapped in Pegi, a community in Kuje area council.