Some 30 suspected kidnappers and criminals have been arrested in Imo state.

The criminals were arrested during a Monday raid by a joint security team on camps in Orsu local government and Uli community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state.

A traditional ruler who was kidnapped in Okigwe local government area on Sunday, Acho Ndukwe of Ihube autonomous community, was also released during the raid.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of the other kidnapped traditional ruler of Ihitte Ihube autonomous community, Paul Ogbu, have not been made known.

The gunmen were said to have invaded the palaces at about 12am on Sunday, abducted both monarchs, and set their palaces ablaze.

The incident happened 48 hours after a traditional ruler in Atta autonomous community in Njaba local government area, also of Imo State, was abducted and murdered.

The traditional ruler of Mbutu community who was kidnapped last week was rescued by the police unhurt on Saturday.

Kidnapping is rife in parts of Imo State and the South-East.

Authorities have blamed the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) members for much of the violent crimes in the region.

Courtesy (excluding headline) Channels TV

Update news