Imo Monarchs Hide As Gunmen Intensify Attacks On Palaces

Monarchs in Imo State have gone into hiding following spate of killings and abductions of their colleagues in the state.

As at the last count, no fewer than five traditional rulers have been killed and numerous others kidnapped. 

The onslaught on traditional rulers started on April 7 when gunmen abducted Eze Charles Irogebu of the Umuezie community in Nguru-Aboh Mbaise LGA and his cabinet chiefs. 

The monarch who was freed days later was returning to his palace after attending a traditional marriage ceremony at Ehime Mbano LGA when his abductors, double-crossed his convoy, kidnapped him and his cabinet chiefs. 

Just last Sunday, two traditional rulers, Acho Ndukwe and Paul Ogbu were kidnapped and their palaces razed. 

While Ndukwe was rescued 24 hours later, Ogbu’s corpse was later seen where it was dumped. 

The situation has forced most traditional rulers to go into hiding with some abandoning their palaces. 

South East Trust learnt that some of them no longer sleep in their palaces while they have also made attempts to beef up their security personnel. 

-DailyTrust