Samuel Ohiri, former chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, was abducted from his residence in Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
The unidentified gunmen, executing the kidnapping in a commando style, targeted the traditional ruler, who also holds the position of the ruler of Orodo.
Ohiri, the traditional ruler of Orodo, had previously held the position of council chairman during the tenure of former Governor Rochas Okorocha.
According to a source from the palace, the gunmen swiftly entered the palace, where they kidnapped Ohiri. Fortunately, his cousin, who was present at the time, managed to escape the assailants. The kidnappers forcibly took the traditional ruler and fled towards Umuaka-Orlu Road in a vehicle.
A palace source who requested anonymity, stated, “They arrived in a commando style and headed straight into the palace where they kidnapped the traditional ruler, but his cousin, who was with him managed to escape.
“They dragged the traditional ruler into their vehicle and drove towards Umuaka-Orlu Road.
Confirming the incident, Imo State police spokesperson ASP Henry Okoye stated that an intense investigation has been initiated.
Okoye articulated “Police have started intense investigation and we have taken some steps to ensure that the victim is rescued and his kidnappers arrested.
“The suspects will be made to face the full wrath of the law when arrested.”