Five students from Rivers State University, who were abducted in the early hours of December 3, have been successfully rescued by the Rivers State Police Command. The rescue operation took place in Rumuodogo 2, where the suspects had taken the victims—Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson—from their homes in Rumuche/Rumuohia, Emohua Local Government Area.
Initial investigations suggest that the abduction was orchestrated by suspected cultists, a claim supported by local community leaders who identified the attackers as individuals from neighboring communities. The Youth President of Rumuohia indicated that information gathered shortly after the kidnapping pointed to the involvement of local youths from Rumuodogo 1 and 2, along with a collaborator from Rumuohia who is now in police custody.
In a proactive response, the community confronted the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Rumuodogo, demanding the students’ release by a specified deadline, which many believe contributed to the swift rescue efforts. Security analysts have noted that the nature of the attack reflects typical cult group behavior in the area, where rival factions often engage in territorial disputes, making local collaboration crucial for investigations.
Despite the suspects fleeing the scene before police arrived, critical evidence was left behind, including the detained collaborator, which is expected to assist in identifying and capturing the remaining members of the gang. Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the collaboration between law enforcement and the community and vowed that efforts would continue until all perpetrators are apprehended.
The rescued students are currently undergoing medical examinations, and the police have reassured the public of their commitment to safety, encouraging residents to remain vigilant and report any credible information related to security concerns.
