Abducted monarch, cabinet chiefs freed

Eze Iroegbu, five of his cabinet chiefs and palace guards were kidnapped on Wednesday while returning from a traditional wedding ceremony in the Ehime Mbano LGA of the state

Shouts of joy erupted Saturday morning in Umueze Nguru autonomous community in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State following the release of their traditional ruler, Eze Charles Iroegbu, and his cabinet chiefs from the abductors’ den.

Eze Iroegbu, five of his cabinet chiefs and palace guards were kidnapped on Wednesday while returning from a traditional wedding ceremony in the Ehime Mbano LGA of the state.

The monarch, who is the Chief Executive Officer of All States Mass Transit and the others were in three vehicles and were heading back to the kingdom when the gun-wielding men waylaid them and diverted their movement.

However, the people became apprehensive after 48 hours as their abductors refused to establish contact with the family of the victims or members of the community.

But they were relieved when the abducted persons joined them on Saturday morning.

A source in the palace told our correspondent yesterday that the entire community received the news of their release with joy.

Imo Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, could not be reached for comments.