The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended four individuals suspected of participating in kidnapping activities in Okocha Community, Igbo-Etche, located in Etche Local Government Area of the state. According to police reports, the arrest came after a company’s management reported the disappearance of some of its workers who were conducting field inspections.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, revealed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on the previous day. Iringe-Koko explained that the alleged kidnappers subjected their victims to a terrifying ordeal, threatening their lives and demanding a ransom of N300 million. Further investigations unveiled that the suspects were affiliated with a criminal syndicate masquerading as cattle rearers.
The statement declared: “The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its efforts to combat the scourge of kidnapping in the region. In a recent operation, police efforts led to the successful apprehension of five individuals suspected of engaging in various criminal activities, including kidnapping and cultism.”
“The investigation was launched following a report filed by Lujo Heights Homes management on January 19, 2024. The report highlighted the disappearance of four staff members during a routine property inspection in Okocha Community, Igbo-Etche, Etche Local Government Area. Despite multiple attempts to establish contact, the missing individuals remained unresponsive.”