Police rescue 13 kidnaped passengers in Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command on Thursday rescued 13 passengers held hostage in a bush by a group of kidnappers.

The victims, who were abducted on September 5, 2016 along Ndele/Elele axis of East-West road, regained their freedom when Anti-Kidnapping Unit, who acted on a tip-off, combed the bush in the area.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, recalled that the passengers had boarded ‘God is Good Motors’ from Abuja and headed to Port Harcourt when they were accosted and whisked away.

Omoni explained that the police had engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle before their hostages were allowed to go.

He identified some of the rescued passengers as Daniel, Emmanuel Joshua, Utibe, Isaac and eight others, adding that the victims were currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

According to Omoni, “They are the passengers on board, God Is Good Motors, who were on their way from Utako Abuja to Port Harcourt.

“The hostages were released unconditionally; they have been debriefed and receiving medical attention in the hospital.

“The hoodlums, who engaged the police in a gun war, took to flight and are yet to be arrested. Efforts are in place to track them. Investigation is ongoing at the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.”

He, however, noted that the Command had earlier rescued the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Mr. Michael Okorie and his two children aged 10 and 12 years.

Okorie and his two sons were kidnapped along the same Ndele/Rumuekpe axis of the East-West Road.

“The kidnap victims were rescued unhurt and unconditionally and have since reunited with their families after being debriefed.”

A statement signed by the state police spokesman, indicated that the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Odesanya, appealed to the people of the state to remain steadfast and believe in the command’s ability to make Rivers State safe again.

Odesanya urged members of the public to volunteer information that would complement the efforts of the police in combating crimes in the state.