Popular Imo Traditional Ruler Regains Freedom

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have released the traditional ruler of Mbutu village in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Damian Nwaigwe.

Naija News had reported that the gunmen kidnapped the popular monarch at his palace in the early hours of Thursday.

During the abduction of the traditional ruler, the gunmen barricaded the palace and shot indiscriminately into the air before he was whisked away to an unknown destination.

Confirming his release on Saturday, Police spokesman in the state, Michael Abattam, said the monarch was rescued unhurt by operatives of the command on Friday.

Abattam added that HRH Nwaigwe has been reunited with his family.

He said: “The abducted Royal father, HRH Eze Damin Nwaigwe of the Mbutu Ancient Kingdom, who was kidnapped on 09/12/2021 at about 03:00 hours in his residence has been rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.”

This development follows the murder of the traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, Edwin Azike.

HRH Azike, who was also kidnapped last Thursday was murdered by the captors and his body was found in a car in the market square where villagers discovered it on Friday morning.