The traditional ruler of the Mbutu village in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Damian Nwaigwe, has been abducted by unknown gunmen.
It was gathered that the gunmen numbering over 10 stormed the ancient village and kidnapped the popular monarch at his palace in the early hours of Thursday.
A resident of the area told The Punch that the gunmen barricaded the palace and shot indiscriminately into the air until the monarch was whisked away.
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The source stated the traditional ruler’s abduction had caused panic in the community, adding that the police in the state had been notified.
He said, “The traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, Eze Damian Nwaigwe, has been kidnapped. The respected king was kidnapped at his palace around 2.30 am, on Thursday.
“Those who kidnapped him were many. 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 king is excluded. He built his house far from where other villagers live that was why it wasn’t difficult for him to have been kidnapped without any resistance from his subjects.”
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Reacting to the incident, the state Police spokesman, Micheal Abattam, said efforts are being made to rescue the traditional ruler unhurt.
He stated that police officers have also been deployed to the area to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.
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