The Rivers State Police Command said it had intensified a manhunt for the gunmen who kidnapped passengers travelling in a ‘God is Good Motor’ bus from Abuja to Port Harcourt.
The passengers were on their way to Port Harcourt when the gunmen accosted the bus in Eleme in Emuoha Local Government Area of the state on Saturday evening.
Our correspondent learnt that after forcing the driver to a stop, the gunmen reportedly shot into the sky to scare them before abducting all passengers and taking them into the bush.
When contacted on Sunday afternoon, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, saying four of the passengers had been rescued.
Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said immediately after the incident was reported, the command deployed its tactical units to ensure the early release of the travellers and apprehend the kidnappers.
She stated, “We are aware of the incident, and the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha, immediately deployed his tactical teams and anti-kidnap unit to the scene.
“That deployment has yielded results already four of the victims have been rescued and the CP has ordered a manhunt to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators to make them face justice.
“The four rescued victims have reunited with their families. We are hopeful that before long, others will be rescued as our men are giving g them a hot chase.”
The state police image maker however solicited the cooperation of the public to give useful information to the police about any suspicious movements in their neighbourhood.
She reassured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring their safety and security, saying it would leave no stone unturned in fighting crime to a standstill in the state.
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