Abducted Plateau monarch, Mato, regains freedom

The Sum Pyem and Paramount Ruler of Gindri in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau, Mr. Charles Mato, has regained his freedom from his abductors.

Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Jos.

Major Takwa did not say whether or not a ransom was paid before the monarch was released by his abductors.

The abductors had earlier demanded a random of N500 million.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits kidnapped Mato on Sunday, Dec. 26.

Takwa said that troops of the operation were immediately dispatched to the area and surrounding communities for search and rescue operation

“While the traditional ruler has been with his abductors, the commander OPSH, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, placed the troops deployed at Gyanbus on red alert and hot trail of the perpetrators.

“Consequently, eight suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap incidence and are being interrogated.

“Following this development, the paramount ruler has been released in the early hours of Friday Dec. 31.

“We will ensure all those involved in the kidnap of the traditional ruler are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Takwa said.