Four more kidnapped passengers of Emohua-Kalabari road regain freedom

•••CP directs deployment of Police  operatives at Identified hotspots, Getaways 

Daniel Efe/Port Harcourt.

A set of four passengers, among a total of Seven kidnapped on Saturday, September 17, along the Emohua-Kalabari road in Rivers State have regained freedom.

The news of the freedom of the set of four filtered in today remaining two victims still in the hands of the gunmen. 

During a phone interview, the Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed to our Correspondent about the release of four of the passengers between yesterday and in the early hours of today, Tuesday, September 20.

She also confirmed that the Driver of the vehicle was set free by the abductors on Saturday, the day of the incident in an unclear circumstances.

Iringe-Koko further said that none of the passengers had so far debriefed the Police since they regained their freedom.

However, she told our Correspondent that the Commissioner of Police Rivers, CP Eboka Friday, had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Muhammed Shehu, to lead a tactical team of Anti-kidnapping units to secure that axis that has been notorious for the recurrent hijacking of Commuters.

Iringe-Koko further stated the CP has advised the Chairmen of four local government area of Emohua, Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru and Degema to synergize with Police to secure the road for ease of Commuters.

The Council Chairmen; Dr. Chidi Lloyd, Emohua; Hon. Onengiyeofori George, Asari-Toru; Hon. Michael John Williams, Degema and Hon. Rowland Sekibo, Akuku-Toru,in conjunction with a combined team of security operatives, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Rivers State, DCP Muhammed Shehu, jointly inspected the road on Monday to identify the hotspots along the road.

Photo of ongoing clearing of brushes on the sides of the road to allow visibility.

Meanwhile, the Chairmen of the affected  local government areas linked by the Emohua-Kalabari road; Emohua, Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru, Degema and  respectively have renewed collaborative efforts to curb the menace.

The Council Chairmen; Dr. Chidi Lloyd, Emohua; Hon. Onengiyeofori George, Asari-Toru; Hon. Michael John Williams, Degema and Hon. Rowland Sekibo, Akuku-Toru, in conjunction with a combined team of security operatives, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Rivers State, DCP Muhammed Shehu, jointly inspected the road on Monday to identify the hotspots along the road.

According to Dr. Chidi Lloyd, Chairman of Emohua local government area, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues after the inspection of the flashpoints as well as getaway points, used by the criminal elements, reaffirmed their commitment to make the areas safe for commuters.

Lloyd stated that the incessant spate of criminalities along the road had become very embarrassing and worrisome to the Chairmen, who had resolved to take full charge of the situation, in order to bring reprieve to their people.

Dr. Lloyd disclosed further that in the interim, the Chairmen had resolved to enhance visibility along the road, by clearing the bush parts on both sides and build security beats at strategic locations.

On his part, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Rivers State, DCP Muhammed Shehu assured that having identified the escape routes, used by the kidnappers, the security agents would do the needful to safeguard the people of the affected areas.

He added that the joint operation that would be carried out in the areas would include: sister security agencies as well as the locals (vigilantes) for proper policing.

DCP Muhammed Shehu assured that the Police were on the trail of the kidnappers, while efforts were on to secure the rescue of the remaining victims.

Our Correspondent reports that at time of filing this report, earthmoving equipments like, Bulldozers had been mobilized to the road were seen  clearing the brushes two sides of road to allow clearer visibility for motorists.