Traditional Ruler Who Spent Weeks In Kidnappers' Den Rescued By Police In Rivers. Photo

A 75-year-old monarch, Edi Igwe Matthias, has been rescued by operatives of Rivers State Police Command after spending 17 days in the kidnappers’ den.


Matthias, who is the paramount ruler of Ubomini in Emohua Local Government Area, was abducted from his palace on May 28, 2016 by a group of five kidnappers.

It was gathered that the kidnappers wore military camouflage when they stormed his palace, shot into the air, before whisking him away.

Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Muhammad, disclosed that the police, who acted on a tip-off, moved to Umuapu in Ohaji LGA of Imo State, where the kidnappers were holding the monarch hostage.

Mohammad said the kidnappers began to shoot on sighting security operatives, adding that three of the hoodlums were gunned down during an exchange of fire.

The state police spokesman further disclosed that one AK 47 rifle was among the items recovered from the kidnappers.

He pointed out that the septuagenarian had been taken to a hospital for medical check-up after he was released to his son