There seem to be visible Tension in Okpanam community in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, following the reported kidnap of the Ugoani (traditional ruler) of the community, Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu by suspected gunmen, yesterday.
The monarch was reportedly kidnapped on his way from church by the suspected gunmen in a Toyota Sienna.
A source told our Correspondent that the royal father did not resist the suspected kidnappers who led him into the Sienna car and zoomed off to unknown destination, adding that youths of the community took to the streets in motorcade to announce the kidnap of the traditional ruler.
Describing the reported kidnap of the Monarch as sacrilegious, the youths ordered closure of all shops in the community until the king was found.
Meanwhile, Okpanam chiefs who spoke to newsmen, condemned the suspected kidnap of the Monarch, saying that nemesis would surely catch up with the suspected abductors.
Lamenting that traditional rulers have become soft targets for kidnappers especially in the neighbouring South-East zone of the country, the chiefs issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the monarch to be produced.
Senior Chief of the palace, Chief Dominic Anyasi urged the abductors to release the Monarch without further delay.
Chief Steve Okonta, who also spoke, said the entire community has been searching for the king without success, lamenting that the manner the king was whisked was a slap on the face of the entire Okpanam community.
He said; “our ancestors cannot forgive whoever is involved. The price they must pay whether dead or alive, our ancestors are not sleeping and I know the consequences will come after those behind this abominable act.”
Chief Felix Ogwuda, who also spoke, said they woke on Sunday morning to receive the shocking news about the abduction of the king who had gone to the church.
Ogwuda said; “the entire community is boiling. We have been plunged into this gloomy situation. And this is a recipe for a native war.”
But the Public Relations Officer, PPRO in the State, DSP Bright Edafe said the monarch was arrested by men from Force CID, Abuja, adding that the Monarch was not abducted as being alleged by the community.
Edafe who could give details of the matter for which the king was arrested, said the Monarch was arrested based on court order.