Why are monarchs beings Attacked in Imo?

Imo State’s traditional rulers have become an endangered species and a target for kidnapping.

No fewer thean five monarchs have been kidnapped in the state in the last month.
Aloy Igwe, the traditional ruler of Umuezeala-Ama ancient kingdom in the state’s Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, was said to have been kidnapped on Tuesday evening.

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Aloy Igwe, the traditional ruler of Umuezeala-Ama ancient kingdom in the state’s Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, was said to have been kidnapped on Tuesday evening.

According to a source, the monarch was abducted while conversing with his kinsmen at Nkwo Umuezeala Market.

The gunmen, according to the source, stormed the market and ordered the monarch into their vehicle.

“They stormed the market and ordered the traditional ruler to move into their vehicle. He had no option than to obey them”, the source stated.

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Last Sunday, gunmen kidnapped and set fire to the palaces of two traditional rulers, Eze Acho Ndukwe and Eze Paul Ogbu.

While Eze Ndukwe was rescued the next day, Eze Ogbu’s whereabouts remained unknown.

They had earlier kidnapped Eze Damian Nwaigwe, the traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in Aboh Mbaise LGA, and Edwin Azike, the traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in Njaba LGA, on December 9.

While Azike was later discovered dead, Eze Nwaigwe was released two days later.

This followed the kidnapping of Eze Henry Madumere, the traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA, on November 19.

Six days later, the monarch, who is the father of Prince Eze Madumere, the former deputy governor of Imo State, was released.

These were among other attacks on the state’s traditional rulers.