Please help? about my cat feeling scared?

My cat was locked outside for a few hours and it was really dark, he didn't stop meowing so I let him in. then all of a sudden wherever I went he followed and wouldn't stop cuddling me. usually he doesn't cuddle this much. was the poor thing scared by anything? please, this is important so I can tell my mum not to lock him outside over night. P.S I do not live close to a main road