The Rivers State Police Command has verified the kidnapping of five individuals after an early-morning assault on the Rumuche/Rumuohia community in Emohua Local Government Area.
A police statement said the attack occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday when about five suspected cultists invaded an isolated section of the community, firing shots indiscriminately before taking their victims to an unknown destination.
The abducted persons are believed to be students of the Rivers State University, Emohua campus, as confirmed by Prof Zeb Obioi, the university’s vice chancellor, in a trending video where he addressed staff and students on the distressing situation, saying, “During our convocation on Friday and Saturday we’re very sure that this issue will be raised and discussed, hopefully we’re expecting the visitor, and I can tell you there’s no way the visitor will see all these that are happening and will not consider your pleas. Right now our priority should be how we can secure these students.”
He further stated, “Right now we’re going to concentrate efforts at ensuring that we get our students that are kidnapped, safely back. Those who engaged in this evil must be caught. We’ll pursue them, we’ll chase them till we get them.”
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, accompanied by other service commanders, visited the scene for an immediate assessment. The CP directed the Area Commander, tactical units, and the Joint Task Force to intensify operations to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
He assured residents that the attackers will be traced and brought to justice.
The Police Command also urged the public to stay calm and continue providing credible information that could assist the ongoing investigation.