Gunmen on Thursday abducted the traditional ruler of the Mbutu Ancient Kingdom in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Damian Nwaigwe.
He was taken away from the palace at about 2:30 am and is yet to be found.
However, his vehicle has been recovered.
The police said they were on the trail of the abductors.
A source said the gunmen, numbering about 10, shot into the air before whisking the monarch away.
Police spokesman, Michael Abattam, a Chief Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident.
He said the command has recovered the monarch’s vehicle in which he was taken away.
“We are yet to rescue the monarch but we have recovered the vehicle.
“We are trailing them closely to ensure the monarch is released unhurt,” he said.
