Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler in Imo

By Abiodun OBA

His Royal Majesty, HRH Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, of Orodo, Mbaitoli Council Area of Imo state, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.

The traditional ruler and immediate past chairman of the Imo state traditional rulers council, was said to have been abducted at the front gate of his compound at about 08:30.

His brother, Solomon Ohiri, a United States-based businessman, was also reportedly kidnapped.

According to the report, an eyewitness said: “This Saturday morning, Ohiri and his brother from the United States, decided to drive out in their car in the spirit of the Christmas celebration to visit some of their friends. After their visit, they returned.

“As they arrived at Ohiri’s compound; They packed their vehicle, at one side of the compound, and as they both of them were having the final discussion before they could say bye to each other. A highlander vehicle filled with gunmen double-crossed them and shot sporadically. They dragged both of them into the vehicle and drove away. They drove toward the Njaba to Orlu road.”

But another eyewitness, claimed that the Ohiri’s brother, Solomon, struggled and escaped from the kidnappers.