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The Paramount Ruler of the ?Ebeni Ibe ?Atissa Kingdom, in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa state, King Godwin Igodo, yesterday regained freedom ?after 27 days in the kidnappers den.?
King Igodo was released ?Tuesday night to the warm embrace of his family and subjects at about 8.30 pm.?
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LEADERSHIP ?gathered that the kidnappers who had held the first class monarch captive at Degema, Rivers state were said to have made contact with the family Tuesday evening giving them instructions on how the King would be released.?
Though family members declined comments ?ransom , checks indicated that an undisclosed amount was paid before he was released. ?The family and the community our reporter gathered decided to reopen negotiations with the kidnappers when efforts of security agencies and ex-militant leaders enlisted to secure his release did not produce the desired result.?
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?Worried that his continued stay in captivity could endanger his health, prominent natives of the clan held series of meetings and supported the decision of the family to negotiate with the kidnappers. ?
After conclusion of talks, the kidnappers decided to release him and the monarch was driven from Degema and dropped somewhere for his family people to pick him after ensuring that the ransom has been paid.?
Some of the family members and subjects waited for him at Mbiama and he was driven straight to Ogbogoro community where the Council of Chiefs was already waiting for his arrival. Immediately the community people sighted him, they went into wide jubilation to celebrate his release.?
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Yesterday morning his family members ?took him to the hospital for a thorough medical check-up to ascertain his state of health even as visitors continue to troop in to the palace to rejoice with him and his family.?
Contacted on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr.Emokpae Eguavoen confirmed the development.