Gunmen abducted Samuel Ohiri, the Traditional Ruler of Orodo Autonomous Community in Imo’s Mbaitoli Local Government Area, on Saturday. The heavily-armed gang, consisting of four members, stormed the former Chairman of Imo Council of Traditional Rulers’ residence in a green Toyota Highlander.
In a commando-style operation, the assailants kidnapped the traditional ruler, while his cousin, present at the scene, managed to escape. The gunmen then forced the abducted ruler into their vehicle and fled towards Umuaka-Orlu Road.
Confirming the incident, Imo’s Police Spokesman, Henry Okoye, stated that the police had initiated a thorough investigation. He assured that steps were being taken to rescue the victim and apprehend the kidnappers, who would face legal consequences.
Kidnappings and murders of traditional rulers have become distressingly frequent in Imo State. Notably, the Traditional Ruler of Otulu Autonomous Community, Eze Joe Achulor, was kidnapped on November 25, 2023, and killed the same day. On July 17, 2023, the Traditional Ruler of Ezuhu Umuamadi Nguru Autonomous Community, James Nnamdi (Mirioma), was gruesomely murdered by unidentified gunmen. Another tragic incident occurred on May 25, 2023, when Victor Ijioma, the Traditional Ruler of Eziorsu Autonomous Community, was shot in his car and set ablaze.
The state has witnessed a series of attacks on traditional rulers, with three killed during an assault on Nnenasa Community in Njaba LGA in October 2021. The assailants struck during a meeting of the traditional rulers. The incidents underscore the security challenges facing traditional leaders in Imo State.
