Gunmen, numbering over 10 on Thursday morning kidnapped the traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Damian Nwaigwe.

The monarch was abducted at his palace around 2:30 am, a community source who chose to remain anonymous confided in our correspondent.

The source said, “The traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in the 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 excluded. 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.”

Our correspondent gathered that the kidnap of the king had caused panic in the community, as villagers kept vigil from the time of the incident till dawn.

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Police spokesperson in the state, Micheal Abattam, confirmed the kidnap of the monarch when contacted by our correspondent.

Abattam said that the command had swung into action intending to rescue the traditional ruler, unhurt.