Expatriate and Others Missing After Vehicle Crashes Into River While Fleeing Kidnappers
A Hilux van carrying two company workers, including an expatriate, has plunged into the Okulu River in Rivers State while attempting to escape kidnappers along the Eleme section of the East-West Road.
The incident occurred when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle after the suspected kidnappers tried to stop it. Eyewitnesses confirmed that as of Tuesday afternoon, the van and its occupants remained trapped in the river, despite ongoing rescue efforts.
Hon. Brain Gokpa, Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, mobilized a rescue team and called for support from the Nigerian Navy and other rescue agencies to help recover the vehicle and rescue the trapped individuals.
Marine police and professional divers have also been dispatched to the scene to assist with the operation.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the site and praised the efforts of the rescue teams. Gokpa also assured the public of his commitment to improving security in the area, including providing more resources to aid future rescue operations and ensure the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
Kidnapping, criminal activities, and road accidents have been frequent on the East-West Road, largely due to its deteriorating condition. Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police, confirmed that authorities are actively working to apprehend those behind the kidnapping attempt.
