Abduction and killing of traditional rulers have taken a centre stage in Imo State of late. These have made many monarchs in the state flee their kingdoms and the state.
Within a period of one month, gunmen killed two monarchs and kidnapped five others.
For example, gunmen on December 14 kidnapped the traditional ruler of Umuezeala- Ama ancient kingdom in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Aloy Igwe.
The monarch was kidnapped at Nkwo Umuezeala market while he was discussing with his kinsmen.
A source in the area said, “Eze Aloy Igwe of Umuezeala- Ama kingdom has been kidnapped. He was kidnapped on Tuesday evening at the Umuezeala market square. Some guys stopped and ordered him to join their vehicle. The monarch obeyed and since then his whereabouts have remained unknown.”
On December 13, two traditional rulers, Acho Ndukwe and Paul Ogbu from Ihube communities in the Okigwe Local Government Area were kidnapped and their palaces razed.
While Ndukwe was rescued 24 hours later, Eze Ogbu was later found dead when security operatives raided a criminal den in the Orlu Local Government Area.
On December 9, the traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in the Aboh Mbaise LGA, Damian Nwaigwe and his counterpart from Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba LGA, Edwin Azike, were kidnapped separately.
While Azike was kidnapped and his corpse dumped at the market square in his community, Nwaigwe was freed two days later.
On November 19, the traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri in the Mbaitoli LGA, Henry Madumere, was kidnapped at Iho in the Ikeduru LGA while on his way to a public function.
The octogenarian monarch, who is the father of a former deputy governor of the state, Eze Madumere, was let off the hook of his abductors six days later.
Earlier on October 19, the traditional ruler of Etekwuru autonomous community in the Ohaji-Egbema LGA, Kenneth Okereke, escaped assassination. But his attackers burnt his palace and official vehicles after he escaped.
Also on the same day, gunmen invaded the Njaba LGA council headquarters located at Nnenasa and opened fire at traditional rulers.
While two traditional rulers died on the spot, two others went into a coma and were rushed to an undisclosed hospital where they were resuscitated.
On April 7, gunmen abducted Eze Charles Irogebu of 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 the Ehime Mbano LGA when his abductors double-crossed his convoy, kidnapped him and his cabinet chiefs.
The development had caused panic in the state. Moreover, the video footage circulating online which showed how some kidnappers were dehumanising some abducted traditional rulers had generated public outcry.
Many residents of the state have continued to condemn the abduction and killing of monarchs.
One week after the kidnap of Eze Aloy Igwe, nothing has been heard of him. This development has generated fear in his family and the kingdom.
The President General of Ohanaeze Youth Council, Igboayaka Igboayaka, said that kidnapping and killing of kings in the state were abominable in Igboland.
The youth leader said, “The apex youth socio-cultural organisation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ohanaeze Youth Council, has described the recent onslaught on traditional rulers, particularly the recent abduction of two monarchs as an abomination and a sign of decline of Igbo norms and value system.
“As the National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council, I say that the circumstances of formation of Eastern Security Network have made some political opponents in the state to unleash terror on the people to sabotage the present government in Imo State.
“The council regretted that the victims, Eze Acho Ndukwe of Amagu Ihube, Eze Paul Ogbu of Ihitte Ihube, both in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state, have become victims of a failed Igbo society.
“The council decried the manner in which the gunmen whisked away the royal rulers, unfortunately the gunmen also burnt their palaces and vehicles. This is sacrilege in Igbo land,” Igboayaka lamented.
“It seems that the lives of traditional rulers in Igbo land are in danger. Just on Thursday, December 9, the traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba LGA, Edwin Azike, was kidnapped and killed on Friday with his corpse dumped at the market square.
“It’s on record that the traditional ruler of the Mbutu ancient kingdom, Eze Damian Nwaigwe, was kidnapped on Thursday and released on Saturday. (Punch)