Four Kidnappers Arrested, 2 Killed As Police Rescue Pastor And Bolt Driver In Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command arrested four suspected kidnappers, killed two during a gun duel and rescued abducted pastor and bolt driver.

Acting spokesperson of the command, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday March 31, said the four kidnappers have been terrorising residents of Egwi-Etche and its environs in Etche Local Government Area of the state.

“Luck ran out of them when they abducted one Pastor Jeremiah Atelibo of Salvation Ministry Church Port Harcourt on 28th February, 2022,” the PPRO stated.

“Operatives using artificial intelligence were able to locate and storm their hideout and arrested four suspects namely; Barisi Yikes age 31 years, Chinedu Simeon age 28 years, Justice Obodo age 32 years, and Jeffrey age 28 years were arrested and their victim. Pastor Jeremiah was successfully rescued unhurt. A locally made pistol with three live cartridges was recovered from them, among other exhibits,” she added.

In a related development following a report of kidnap by one Karibo Awantaye, ‘m’ a bolt driver who was kidnapped along Rumubiakani in Eneka road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on 19th March, 2022, police swung into action and the kidnappers were traced and given a hot chase.

On sighting the police, gun duel ensued with the kidnappers. Two of the suspects were fatally wounded and the victim was rescued unhurt along with his Toyota Corolla vehicle with Registration No. AKD 914 DL. The ransom money and other assorted charms were equally recovered at the scene. Efforts are on to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.