The police in Imo State have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers of the father of a former deputy governor of the state, Eze Madumere.

The deputy governor’s father, who is the traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state, was kidnapped on Friday at Iho in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state.

The monarch, an octogenarian, was on the way to a function when some gunmen stopped his vehicle and abducted him after shooting aimlessly.

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Madumere, who confirmed the abduction, disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted the family. But the state police command said on Saturday that the police had put strategies in motion to rescue the king and arrest the suspects.

The command’s spokesperson, Micheal Abattam, told our correspondent that crack officers of the command had swung into action. “We are seriously committed to his  release and we are leaving no stone unturned. We are deeply committed to his freedom and we are on it,” Abattam said.