Over three weeks after he was kidnapped from his palace, gunmen who snatched the king of Ikuru town in the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State are demanding N5 billion ransom to allow him breathe the air of freedom.

Spokesman for the palace, Maurice Ikuru, who disclosed this when our correspondent inquired on the state of the monarch, said the kidnappers made the demand when they contacted his family.

“They had made contact. They said they want five billion naira. I have not heard anything from them again but we are believing God that very soon he will be released.”

Speaking on the kidnap, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, expressed hope that the monarch will be released soon.

He said the release of the lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Jones Ayouwo, on Monday evening, will pave the way for the monarch’s release, saying the police will now beam its searchlight in that direction.

“The release of the lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt have pave the way for the king to be released soon.

“We (police) are not resting. Our anti-kidnapping unit, all the tactical commands are working round the clock. It is a security matter, so we will not disclose everything.

“We don’t want to use force of arms, but we are working hard to ensure he comes out safe and unhurt,” he added, noting that the police would also ensure the culprits are apprehended. (The PUNCH)