Masked Gunmen In Rivers State Attack Commercial Bus And Kidnap 11 Passengers

It was pandemonium in Rivers state as masked gunmen on Wednesday attacked a white Toyota Sienna SUV travelling to Port Harcourt from Abua in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State kidnapping all 10 passengers and the driver.    The abductors staged the attack at the Rumuekpe junction along the East-West Road in the Emohua Local Government Area of the state.   An eyewitness who spoke to Punch said the attackers jumped out of nearby bushes, fired into the air and kidnapped the 11 passengers.   He said, “Some young men, early this morning, came out of the bush with guns at the Rumuekpe junction along the East-West Road in the Emohua Local Government Area and blocked a Toyota Sienna SUV conveying 10 passengers.  

“They fired some gunshots into the air before kidnapping all the passengers in the vehicle as well as the driver. The victims were taken into the bush, while the vehicle was abandoned on the road.”

A driver, who plies the East-West Road, said the vehicle that conveyed the kidnapped victims was abandoned on the highway.

He stated, “The white Toyota Sienna, which conveyed the kidnapped persons, is abandoned on the road; I saw it first around 9am and by around 11am when I passed there again, I still saw it.

“I know the driver; we call him Star. After we heard about the incident, we have been running around calling his people as well as others who can help. I am praying for his and the passengers’ freedom too.”

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Nnamdi Omoni, said he had not been briefed about the incident.

He said: “I have not yet got information about this incident, but once I get the details, I will get back to you.”