Traditional Rulers On The Run In Imo As Gunmen Abduct Two, Set Palaces On Fire

Gunmen on Sunday abducted two traditional rulers in Okigwe, Imo State, and set their palaces ablaze.

Other traditional rulers are said to have gone into hiding.

It is a continuation of what appears to be an onslaught against monarchs.

Gunmen on Friday killed the traditional ruler of Ebeteghete community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Edwin Azuike.

The monarch was abducted from his palace on Thursday.

His body was found in a car.

Also on Thursday, gunmen abducted the traditional ruler of the Mbutu Ancient Kingdom in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo, Eze Damian Nwaigwe.

He was taken away from his palace at about 2:30 am.

He was rescued on Saturday.

The traditional ruler of Etekwuru Autonomous Community in Ohaji/ Egbema Local Government Area, Eze Kenneth Okereke, fled the community after two residents were killed and his palace burnt.

The monarchs kidnapped on Sunday are Eze Acho Ndukwe of Amagu Ihube and Eze Paul Ogbu of Ihitte Ihube, both in Okigwe Local Government Area.

A source said the gunmen came in Hilux vehicles, kidnapped the two monarchs and burnt their palaces and vehicles.

“The youth leader of Umulolo- Okigwe was also abducted.

“They also destroyed the house of Fabian Nwosu, a community leader,” he said.

Eze Ndukwe is the Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers in Okigwe LGA.

He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Hotel, Okigwe.

“We are just confused as to what could be the reason for the attack,” the source said.

State police command spokesman, Micheal Abattam, confirmed the attacks.

He said: “The gunmen stormed the traditional rulers’ houses, abducted them and set their houses on fire.”

According to him, the command has commenced investigation.

“We are on their trail,” he said.