BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

PORT HARCOURT – THE traditional ruler of Ogboin kingdom in Bayelsa state, King Oweipa Jones Sere, JP,  has been released by his kidnappers. A statement from the Rivers state Police Command said the monarch was released in the early hours  of Saturday.

The statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ben Uguegbulam said the kidnappers could no longer contain pressure from security operatives trailing them so they had to release the traditional ruler.

His words, “ be informed that King Oweipa Jones Sere JP, Ebenanaowei of Ogboin  Kingdom, Bayelsa state kidnapped on the 26/06/11in Emohua area of Rivers state by his abductors was released this morning by his abductors”

“This followed the persistent raid and arrest pressure on the suspects by the Police and state security and military teams “

It would be recalled that the monarch was whisked away by his kidnappers in Emohua last Tuesday.  The kidnapers later demanded a ransom of twenty five million naira which they reportedly scaled down to an undisclosed amount after they allowed the traditional ruler access to his family members on phone.

The Rivers state Police Commissioner, Suleiman Abba had assured during a session with media men that the traditional ruler would soon regain his freedom. He said the Police were on the trail of the kidnappers, adding that his men had already recovered the vehicle of the monarch.