Kidnapping: Imo royal fathers may go into exile.
2 min read
This is not the best of times for royal fathers in Igboland especially in Imo State. Since the day some royal fathers in Njaba were attacked by some gunmen while having a meeting with the Njaba LG chairman which left about two royal fathers dead, life for the royal fathers has become one big hell as some of them have been kidnapped and big ransom paid to secure their releases. The kidnappers seem to have found “love” with the royal fathers with the thinking that their communities will gather the ransom to secure their releases.
From the findings made by Umuaka Times, the Ihitte Ihube Autonomous Community in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State witnessed the kidnapping of the royal father of the community Eze Paul Ogbu, who was kidnapped after his palace and vehicle were razed. Days later, the royal father was found dead. A youth leader who was kidnapped alongside with the royal father was also found dead.
Eze Damian Nwaigwe the royal father of Mbutu Kingdom in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, was lucky to be rescued alive after he was also kidnapped by some gunmen.
The latest which occurred last week was the traditional ruler of Umuezeala-Ama ancient kingdom in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Aloy Igwe. As at press time, Umuaka Times could not establish if the man had been released by his captors or not. All the kidnappings mentioned above took place in Imo State.
Many royal fathers in Igboland have as a result of this development, gone into hiding while others who have the means have flown out of the country. From all indications, royal fathers across Igboland may have no other option than to be ruling their communities from exile.
