Gunmen attack Imo again, abduct two monarchs, burn palaces

Gunmen have attacked two communities in the Okogwe Local Government, abducting their monarchs.

The abducted monarchs are Acho Ndukwe of Amagu Ihube, and Paul Ogbu of Ihitte Ihube.

The palaces of the two monarchs were set ablaze by the gunmen during the attack on Sunday.

A youth leader in the Umulolo Okigwe area of the state was reportedly abducted by the gunmen while the country home of Fabian Nwosu, a community leader, was vandalised during the attack.

“It was something else in the early hours of Sunday. They came in Hilux vehicles and kidnapped the two monarchs and burnt their palaces and vehicles,” a resident told TheCable.

“They also kidnapped the youth leader of Umuololo- Okigwe. They went to the house of Fabian Nwosu, on meeting his presence, they vandalised his house.

“Eze Ndukwe is an influential king. He is the chairman of the Council of Traditional rulers in Okigwe LGA. He is also the chairman and CEO of Genesis Hotel, Okigwe. Nobody can comprehend this attack. The communities are bewildered. Highly confused.”

Micheal Abbatam, Imo police spokesperson, said the command had commenced an investigation into the incident.

Edwin Azike, the traditional ruler of Atta autonomous community in Njaba council area, was abducted and later found dead in the market square.

Damian Nwaigwe, the traditional ruler of Mbutu in Aboh-Mbaise council area, was also kidnapped last Thursday.

Also, Henry Madumere, traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri and father of a former deputy governor of the state, was abducted in November on his way to a public function in Iho, Ikeduru LGA.

In October, three traditional rulers were killed after gunmen invaded Nnenasa community, Njaba LGA of the state. The monarchs were said to be holding a meeting in the area when the gunmen attacked.