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By Emmanuel Adeleke
There is palpable apprehension in Mbutu kingdom, Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, as unknown gunmen, in the early hours of Thursday kidnapped Damian Nwaigwe, the traditional ruler of the town.
The monarch was abducted at his palace around 2:30am, a community source who chose to remain anonymous told newsmen.
“The traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in 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 secluded. 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,” the source said.
According to reports, the kidnap of the king caused panic in the community, as villagers kept vigil from the time of the incident till dawn.
Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Micheal Abattam, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said operatives of the command had swung into action, adding that their intention is to rescue the traditional ruler unhurt.