The traditional ruler of Nkalagu Obukpa community in Nsukka Local Council of Enugu State, Igwe James Agbogo, who was abducted on December 21, has regained freedom.

The Guardian learnt that Agbogo was set free on Christmas day after spending four days in the kidnappers’ den.

According to village sources, the monarch was released after his family sent a bag of rice, one chicken, a carton of wine, and other food ingredients as well as N6 million to his abductors as ransom.

Agbogo was preparing for his coronation, slated for December 28, when the bandits struck in his palace.

“Igwe regained freedom on Christmas day, but he has been taken to the hospital for treatment,” a village source said.

The source added: “His sad abduction happened at Nkalagu-Obukpa, last Thursday, at about 8:00 p.m. You know he was preparing for his coronation on December 28, after emerging as the Igwe-elect of the community. But the funny thing about his abduction was that the hoodlums demanded N6 million, and insisted that a bag of rice, a carton of wine, and other food ingredients must accompany the ransom or they would kill him. Well, everyone rallied round to make everything available so that Igwe will regain his freedom.”