Police rescue five Rivers State University students, intensify search for kidnappers

Five kidnapped Rivers State University students were safely rescued in a joint security operation, while police continue searching for the fleeing suspects believed to be linked to cult-related criminal groups.

The Rivers State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of five students from Rivers State University (RSU) who were abducted from the institution’s Emohua Satellite Campus earlier this week. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, threw the university community into fear and led the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, to immediately halt activities at the campus to prevent further threats.

The kidnapped students—identified as Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson—were taken by armed men suspected to be linked to cult groups operating around the outskirts of Emohua Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko said that the rescue operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving specialized police units, local vigilante groups, and residents of Rumuodogo 2, where the victims were believed to be held. She confirmed that the students were recovered without physical injuries, though they were visibly shaken by the ordeal.

Iringe-Koko explained that the victims were quickly taken for medical evaluation to ensure their physical and psychological well-being. She added that while the rescue was successful, the operation is far from over, as officers are still combing the area in pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

According to her, intelligence gathered so far suggests the kidnappers may belong to a network of criminal elements responsible for similar attacks in the area. She assured the public that the police are committed to dismantling these groups and making the environment safer for students and residents.

The Rivers State Police Command also urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activity that could assist in tracking down the criminals. The authorities emphasized that their priority is to restore confidence in the safety of the university’s satellite campus and prevent future incidents of this nature.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, VANGUARD