Abducted Monarch in Niger Regains Freedom

The kidnapped District Head and Dodo of Wawa in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Dr Mahmud Aliyu, kidnapped last week has regained his freedom.

Aliyu, according to a palace source, was freed by his abductors Friday night.

The source said Aliyu was dropped at a village close to Wawa at about 8pm and was told to find his way to his domain.

There was wild jubilation in the palace when the monarch rejoined his family and subjects.

However, the source said the traditional ruler has not spoken to anyone about his ordeal in the hands of his abductors since his release, but it was gathered that no ransom was paid for him to regain his freedom.

There has been no official confirmation of the story.

Four gunmen all dressed in army uniform, one of them a woman, abducted the monarch from his palace last Saturday.

They were said to have picked up the monarch at about 10pm when he was discussing with close aides after watching the NTA network news and took him on a motorcycle into the Kainji National Park.

One suspect, believed to be a security guard to the monarch, was arrested in connection with the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command did not respond to calls made to his cell phone.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matane, could not be reached on his phone to confirm the story.

Credit: ThisDay