A traditional ruler and the former chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, who was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen, has been released.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed this to journalists in Owerri on Thursday, stating that Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri was kidnapped from his residence in the Orodo community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State two weeks ago.
Unharmed, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri was rescued by members of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping unit after engaging in a confrontation with the kidnappers in the forest, as reported by the police.
The police spokesperson mentioned that during the operation, the unit successfully captured one of the abductors, while several others managed to escape the scene.
It was further noted that the command had previously apprehended one of the kidnappers during a pursuit in their hideouts, and this suspect provided information to the police regarding the locations of the others.
Okoye reported that when the kidnappers observed the presence of the police, they initiated a gunfight but were subdued by the operatives.
The abducted individual held the position of chairman in the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers during Rochas Okorocha’s tenure as the former governor of the state.