Worried by the spate of criminal activities, especially kidnapping, in the state, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has threatened to hold traditional rulers responsible for any ugly incident in their domain.
He gave this warning on Wednesday while presenting staff of office to seven newly-recognised traditional rulers in the state.
The governor also charged the traditional rulers to endear themselves to their subjects in order to create an enabling environment for peaceful cohesion.
The seven traditional rulers are to preside over the new autonomous communities carved out of Owerri Municipal and Ideato North Local Government Area.
According to New Telegraph, the four new communities carved out of Owerri Municipal and their rulers are: Umuodu Autonomous Community with Eze Linus Ihebom as the traditional ruler and Umuoyima Autonomous Community with Eze Theophilus Ubah as the traditional ruler.
The list also includes Umuororonjo Autonomous Community, with Eze Rowland Clinton Ibegbulam as the traditional ruler and Umuonyeche Autonomous Community, having Eze Uche Austine Possible.