Gunmen have abducted the traditional ruler of the Mbutu Ancient Kingdom in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Damian Nwaigwe.
He was taken away from the palace at about 2:30 am and is yet to be found.
However, his vehicle has been recovered.
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The police said they were on the trail of the abductors.
A source said the gunmen, numbering about 10, shot into the air before whisking the monarch away.
Police spokesman, Michael Abattam, a Chief Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident.
He said the command has recovered the monarch’s vehicle in which he was taken away.
“We are yet to rescue the monarch but we have recovered the vehicle.
“We are trailing them closely to ensure the monarch is released unhurt,” he said.
In October, three traditional rulers in Imo State were shot dead by gunmen.
The royal fathers were having a meeting in Njaba Local Government Area when the shooting occurred.
The killings added a new and very scary dimension to the issue of insecurity in the Southeast generally and Imo State in particular.
On Thursday also, gunmen attacked another community in the state, killing some persons and injuring others.
The attack by unknown gunmen came barely 48 hours after Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma cried to President Muhammadu Buhari for help, over the security situation in the state.
Many residents at the attacked community, Etekwuru in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, are said to have fled into the bush as a result of the attacks.
The traditional ruler of the Etekwuru community, Eze Kenneth Okereke, confirmed the attack to newsmen.
Unknown gunmen have rendered the state desolate.