The Rivers State Police Command at the weekend announced that Mrs. Lilian Davies has been freed from kidnappers.
She was freed on Friday at about 3:30 pm by special tactical outfit set up by the Commissioner of Police to tackle the menace of kidnappings.
The victim is the Registrar of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, was kidnapped on November 17 while on transit along Bori-Yaghe road.
DSP, Ahmad Muhammad, Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed that Mrs Davies was rescued at the bush around Kaani in Khana Local Government.
“The rescue team during the operation had a fierce gun duel with the kidnappers resulting to the death of four kidnappers.
“One AK47 rifle, one locally made pistol, one magazine, 25 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition and five cartridges were recovered at the scene after the operation,” the statement said,
It advised criminal elements to relocate from Rivers State, saying that the police were determined more than before to take the onslaughts to their hideouts.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has rescued two kidnap victims in Port Harcourt.
The victims, who were said to have been abducted by some gunmen, were rescued at Umubele Waterfront in Port Harcourt.
The Command in a statement signed by the PPRO, Ahmad Mohammad also disclosed that Goodluck Worwu, Charles and Atochi Ezizie, who were arrested late last week had been charged to court.
The suspects were slammed with a four count charge of murder, kidnapping among others.
The PPRO said the consistent clamp-down on criminals in Rivers state was as a result of the commitment of the State Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo to rid the state of crime.
According to the statement, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to further update members of the public on its activities particularly the continued onslaught on the suspected criminals’ hidout.
“On 23/11/2015 at about 9:30 am, a tactical unit of the Command stormed Umubele waterfront in Port Harcourt and successfully rescued two kidnapped victims namely David Eke and Callistus Nnamdi. The victims were kidnapped on 13/11/15 along Airport road Port Harcourt.
“Two unidentified suspected kidnappers found guarding the rescued victims were gunned down during exchange of fire that ensued.
“Two locally made pistols, four cartridges and charms were recovered from the deceased kidnappers.
“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to further update members of the public that the suspected armed robbers arrested on Thursday 17/11/15 at Ada George Port Harcourt have been charged to court on Monday 23/11/2015.
“The suspects namely Goodluck Worwu, Charles and Atochi Ezizie were arraigned before Magistrate Court 14 Port Harcourt on four count charge of murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and conspiracy to commit felony. Hearing of the case has been adjourned till 16/12/2015 as the presiding magistrate ordered for the suspects to be remanded in prison custody.
“The Commissioner of Police enjoins the good people of Rivers State to remain hopeful, confident and trusting in the ability of the Command to discharge its constitutional mandate assuring the public that we will do more.”
It would be recalled that the suspects were arrested with one two 47 rifle, one K2 rifle, five magazines and one hundred and thirty five (135) rounds 7.62 live ammunition.
In another development, the Rivers Progressives Front (RPF) has called on the police to halt the spate of violence and kidnappings bedevilling Rivers State.
A statement by the RPF spokesman, Elder Tamuno Iyalla, said the group “is terribly concerned about this trend of things that has almost totally disorganised and dislocated social and economic life in our dear state.”
Iyalla said on Thursday, some people were arrested by the police on Ada-George Road with three AK-47 rifles and 300 ammunition given to them.
He then called on the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Kimo, to ensure that his men resist pressure and thoroughly investigate the matter and prosecute the suspects according to law.
“We remind the commissioner of police to realise that his reputation and office are being endangered by the activities of criminals who enjoy the support of (some) government officials. This is the time for the commissioner to bring to the knowledge of all Rivers people and Nigerians that the intractable violence and insecurity in Rivers State are all induced…,” the group said.
