By our reporter/ Two traditional rulers in Imo State were on Sunday abducted by gunmen and their palaces and vehicles set ablaze.
The affected traditional rulers are Acho Ndukwe of Amagu Ihube and Paul Ogbu of Ihitte Ihube, both in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen also reportedly abducted the youth leader of umulolo Okigwe.
According to sources who witnessed the invasion of the affected communities by the kidnappers, the operation lasted from 12 midnight till 1am on Sunday.
“It was something else in the early hours of Sunday. They came in Hilux vehicles and kidnapped the two monarchs and burnt their palaces and vehicles, a source told a national publication.
“They also kidnapped the youth leader of Umuololo- Okigwe. Eze Ndukwe is the chairman of Council of Traditional rulers in Okigwe LGA.
“He is also the chairman and CEO of Genesis Hotel, Okigwe. Nobody can comprehend this attack. The communities are bewildered, highly confused.”
Imo state police command spokesperson, Mike Abattam, who confirmed the development, said investigation into the incident has commenced.
Imo state traditional rulers have come under attack in recent times.
The traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba LGA, Edwin Azike, was kidnapped on Thursday and his corpse dumped at the market square the following morning.
The traditional ruler of the Mbutu ancient kingdom, Damian Nwaigwe, was also abducted on Thursday but regained his freedom on Saturday.
Also, the traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri, Henry Madumere, was kidnapped on November 19, on the way to a public function at Iho in the Ikeduru LGA.
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