The Eleda of Eda-Ile in Ekiti East local government area of Ekiti state, Oba Benjamin Osho, who was kidnapped by gunmen last week has been set free by his abductors.
The monarch was abducted while working in his farm in the community on Thursday evening and whisked to an unknown place.
The kidnappers were said to have reportedly demanded N20 million ransom, which the family said was on the high side and pleaded for reduction.
A source close to the palace informed newsmen that Oba Osho was released late on Sunday night at a bush in one of the neighbouring communities.
“Yes, Kabiyesi has been freed on Sunday night by the gunmen after the family paid about N2 million from the N20 million initially demanded. The money was raised from many people and I have someone who contributed to it.
“As I speak with you now, he is receiving medical attention at a popular private hospital in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, ” he said.
Spokesman for the state Police Command, ASP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the release of the traditional ruler after manhunt from officers of the command.
Abutu, who revealed that the monarch was dropped at a forest between Ode-Ekiti and Agbado-Ekiti in Gbonyin local government area of the state but denied knowledge of payment of any ransom.
