Abducted Rivers travellers and Assemblies of God pastor regain freedom

Three travellers kidnapped by gunmen along the Obiri-Kwere-Airport Road near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have regained their freedom. 

Recall that gunmen intercepted some vehicles on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, forcefully dragged out the occupants, and whisked them off to an unknown destination.

The spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the release to Punch on Friday, January 5, said the captives have all reunited with their families.

The PPRO explained that the release of the abductees followed pressure after the deployment of personnel to the area

“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olatunji Disu, had a meeting with Area  Commanders, Divisional Police Officers within  the  area of jurisdiction with  tactical team Commanders and instructed them of adequate security measures  in place to ensure those abducted on January 2, 2024 along Aluu-Igwuruta Road should regain their freedom,” she said. 

“Based on the pressure and  massive deployment of police presence, the victims were released  and have reunited with their family members today,” 

Iringe-Koko called on law-abiding citizens of the state to continue to support the police with relevant information that will lead to the arrest of criminals.

“Everything went on peacefully during this festive period and we are still enjoying the peaceful situation in the state. We have this slogan that when you see something say something. When you notice any suspicious movement in your neighbourhood, report it to the nearest police station because security is everybody’s business,” she said. 

In a similar development, the Assemblies of God pastor, Reverend Joel Okey, who was kidnapped in Cross River State has regained his freedom.

The pastor’s son, Godspower Okey, confirmed the release in a Facebook post on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

LIB reported that the cleric, who is serving in one of the branches of the church in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River, was abducted at Nde 3 Corners in Ikom LGA last Thursday. 

The abductors initially demanded N100m ransom but later reduced it to N50m when the family pleaded that they did not have such a huge sum.