The traditional ruler of Umuezeala-Ama autonomous Community in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Aloy Igwe, who was kidnapped on December 14, has been released.

The monarch was released Wednesday evening, according to a community source who pleaded anonymity.

The source said, “Ezeala 1 of Umuezeala-Ama autonomous community, Eze Aloy Igwe, has been released. He is home now. He regained his freedom on Wednesday evening.

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“The community made it clear to the kidnappers who were demanding a huge amount of money for ransom that there is no money. This is a man who buried his mother not more than one month ago.”

Our correspondent gathered that ransom was paid before the monarch was let off the hooks of his captors, but the source refused to mention the amount that was paid before the king was released.

The traditional ruler was abducted while discussing with his subjects at Nkwo- Umuezeala market two days after two traditional rulers, Acho Ndukwe and Paul Ogbu from Ihube autonomous communities were kidnapped with their palaces and vehicles razed.

While Ndukwe was rescued after the incident when security operatives raided Orsu LGA and Lilu community in Anambra State.