Chairman of the Abissa Council of Chiefs in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, High Chief Matthew Opoto, has been kidnapped on Friday by gunmen on the high sea, while he was on his way to his community in Abissa.
The gunmen who were reportedly driving in a speed boat had intercepted the boat he was in with some of his council of chiefs.
After identifying Chief Opoto, it was gathered that they dragged him out into one of their boats and drove off.
A native of the area, Minaibiye Dolphin, who confirmed the incident on Monday, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the monarch was a few minutes to his destination when the gunmen struck.
Dolphin called on the security agencies, including the Nigeria Navy Ship, Pathfinder and the Rivers State Government, to intervene and facilitate his release.
“We are appealing and calling on the Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the police, Army, the NNS Pathfinder, and other security agencies help secure his release.
“There is no information as to why they kidnapped him since we are not able to get in contact with the kidnappers.”
When contacted, the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying a thorough investigation had begun to ensure the monarch’s release.
