The traditional ruler of Wotutu village in Buea who was kidnapped two days ago by armed men has been freed, security sources have confirmed.

Chief John Elate who was kidnapped on Wednesday 12 September as he alighted from a bike was freed hours later by the army that launched a man hunt to track down the kidnappers

According to sources, the military immediately launched an operation shooting on the armed men who had taken the chief aboard the bike

In the course of the shootings, the chief was caught by a bullet on the leg as the armed men fled to the bushes letting go of the chief.

Chief Elate John was immediately transported to the Buea Military Hospital where he has been responding to treatment properly.

Villagers are said to have deserted Wotutu after the incident as the military launched a crack down on bikes in the locality seizing at least five bikes. Civilians are equally said to have been caught by stray bullets in the course of the rescue operation.