Fear grips Imo community as gunmen kidnap monarch

There is rising tension in Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, after gunmen, numbering over 10, kidnapped the traditional ruler, Damian Nwaigwe.

The unfortunate incident reportedly happened on Thursday morning at his palace around 2:30 am.

A community source, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed to Newsmen that the traditional ruler of Mbutu has been kidnapped.

He said, “The gunmen who kidnapped him came in their numbers. They came in vehicles and were more than 10. They barricaded his palace, shot indiscriminately until they whisked the monarch away in an already steaming vehicle.

“The palace of the monarch is excluded. The respected monarch built his house far from where other villagers live and that made it easier for them to operate freely, making it difficult for him to be heard before he was kidnapped without any resistance from his subjects.”

Newsmen learnt that the kidnap of the monarch had caused panic in the community.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in Imo State, Micheal Abattam, also confirmed the kidnap of the monarch.

He said that the command had swung into action with an intention to rescue the traditional ruler, unhurt.