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Gunmen on Saturday abducted another traditional ruler in the Orodo Autonomous Community in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Samuel Ohiri.

The heavily armed four-member gang stormed the residence of the former chairman of the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers in a green Toyota Highlander, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

“They arrived in a commando style and headed straight into the palace where they kidnapped the traditional ruler, but his cousin, who was with him, managed to escape.

“They dragged the traditional ruler into their vehicle and drove towards Umuaka-Orlu Road,’’ a palace source said on the condition of anonymity.

But confirming the abduction, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo, Henry Okoye, said the command had begun an investigation into the matter.

“Police have started an intense investigation and we have taken some steps to ensure that the victim is rescued and his kidnappers arrested.

“The suspects will be made to face the full wrath of the law when arrested,’’ Okoye said.

On November 25, 2023, gunmen kidnapped the traditional ruler of Otulu Autonomous Community in Ezinihitte-Mbaise LGA, Eze Joe Achulor, in a similar manner.

Achulor was killed on the same day and his corpse was dumped on Mbutu Road, a neighbouring community in Aboh-Mbaise.

On July 17, 2023, the traditional ruler of Ezuhu Umuamadi Nguru Autonomous Community in Aboh Mbaise, Eze James Nnamdi (Mirioma), was also gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.