In a swift and coordinated operation, five students of Rivers State University (RSU) who were abducted from their off-campus residence have been rescued unhurt. The successful mission was a result of combined efforts by the Rivers State Police Command, other security agencies, and crucial intervention from local community leaders.
Details of the Abduction and Rescue
The terrifying incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 3rd. The victims, identified as Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson, were taken from their isolated residences located in the Rumuche/Rumuohia community within Emohua Local Government Area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for Rivers State, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the rescue operation was executed in the nearby community of Rumuodogo 2, where the kidnappers had moved the students. Preliminary investigations strongly suggest that the abduction was carried out by suspected cultists, a claim supported by local leaders who confirmed the attackers were familiar faces, not strangers.
Community's Pivotal Role in the Operation
The immediate and decisive action by the Rumuohia community proved instrumental in securing the students' release. The Youth President of Rumuohia disclosed that intelligence gathered within hours of the kidnapping pointed directly to youths from the neighboring communities of Rumuodogo 1 and 2. The assailants were allegedly aided by a member of the Rumuohia community, who has since been apprehended and handed over to the police.
Armed with this information, community leaders directly confronted the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Rumuodogo. They issued a stern ultimatum, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the students by 3:00 PM that same day. Residents widely credit this bold, community-led pressure for accelerating the rescue efforts and ensuring a peaceful outcome.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
All five students have been safely recovered and are reported to be in good health, having suffered no physical harm during their ordeal. While the rescue operation has concluded successfully, the police investigation remains active. Authorities are working to apprehend all individuals involved in the planning and execution of the kidnapping.
This event highlights the persistent security challenges around student accommodations in certain areas and underscores the critical importance of collaboration between formal security agencies and local community structures in combating crime effectively.
