Three travelers from Rivers State who were abducted along the Obiri-Kwere-Airport Road near Port Harcourt by armed individuals on Tuesday have been freed.
The incident occurred around 4 pm when gunmen intercepted vehicles, forcefully removed some occupants, and took them away to an undisclosed location.
Their release took place more than 24 hours after the Rivers State Police Command deployed tactical team commanders and Divisional Police Officers to the scene to implement heightened security measures.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the release to our correspondent on Friday, stating that all captives have since reunited with their families.
She clarified that the abductees were released due to increased pressure following 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
“Based on the pressure and massive deployment of police presence, the victims were released and have reunited with their family members today,” she stated
Iringe-Koko, also expressed happiness that there was relative peace in the state during the festive season.
She 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.
