Fear has gripped residents of Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State after their monarch, Damian Nwaigwe was kidnapped by gunmen numbering at least 10.
Reports say the incident took place at about 2:30am on Thursday morning in his palace.
A community member who spoke to newsmen on conditions of anonymity said that, “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.“
The abduction of the monarch has caused fear and panic in the community.
Reports say the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Imo State, Michael Abattam has also confirmed the incident.
He added that the command swung into action immediately it received the report and hopes the traditional ruler will be rescued unhurt.
Mbaise is a region in Imo State in southeastern Nigeria
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