Umuahia — In reaction to the spate of kidnapping and other criminal activities in some communities in the state, Abia State government has effected the arrest and arraignment of the traditional ruler of Amauba-Ime Oboro Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Eze Vincent Uche, for allegedly sponsoring kidnapping and armed robbery.

New monarch enthroned

Meanwhile, the government has announced the enthronement of Eze Vincent Uche as replacement for the sacked traditional ruler, whose staff of office had been withdrawn.

A statement by the governor's spokesperson, Mr. Kingsley Emereuwa, also disclosed that three traditional rulers from Obingwa council area have been suspended on account of their alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery.

Three traditional rulers suspended

They are Eze Okechukwu Atulobi of Osusu Abala Autonomous Community; Eze Nwabiaraije Eneogwe of Abayi Autonomous Community and Eze S. Onwukwe of Abala Ibeme Autonomous Community.

"The decision to suspend the three royal fathers followed security reports of their serious involvement in sponsoring kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, for which they are currently under investigation.

"The state government wants to assure the entire citizenry that it will not stop at anything to eradicate the shameful menace of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state as any person/s suspected to be behind this ugly vocation, no matter how highly placed, will be summarily dealt with," the statement said.