Following an ambush by unidentified gunmen, some individuals have been abducted on a stretch of road leading to Port Harcourt International Airport in River States. The victims fell prey to assailants on the Obiri Ikwerre Road late on Tuesday. They were en route from the airport area to the Obiri Ikwerre Road when the kidnappers struck.
The Rivers State Police Command has officially confirmed the abduction, placing the number at three. Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt, the spokesperson for the police command disclosed that law enforcement is actively in pursuit of the abductors. The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reportedly directed Divisional Police Officers in the area and tactical team commanders to implement robust security measures.
“These measures have been put in place to ensure that the criminals are apprehended,” the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated.
NAN, a reporting agency, has recounted the experience of an eyewitness who narrowly escaped the attack.
Describing the horrifying ordeal, Mr Biira explained, “The incident began when our vehicle ran into an ambush near the airport junction roundabout as we were heading to Obi Ikwerre flyover. We encountered an ambush with eight to 10 cars. As we approached the scene, the kidnappers began shooting randomly into the air.”
“As soon as the shooting began, we turned back towards the airport junction, but the kidnappers double-crossed us”, he narrated.
Some passengers were said to have reacted to the chaotic situation by attempting to flee, but they were shot at and aggressively taken away. According to him, more than three individuals from the taxi he boarded were taken away.
Mr Biira further reported, “After the hoodlums crossed us, I jumped out of the car to run, but there was nowhere to go. But at that moment, the Lord showed me a car to hide behind. So, I quickly hid under the car, and as I did, three kidnappers walked by – dragging a man while one of them got into the car I was under to turn off the engine.
I am alive today because of God’s mercy and covenant of protection over His children”.
In the tapestry of Nigeria’s narrative, the threads of security have evidently woven a complex and challenging pattern. The Port Harcourt airport incident brings to mind a recent prediction by West Africa Weekly’s Editor, David Hundeyin.
David Hundeyin’s X Post
As reassuring as the promises to apprehend these Port Harcourt abductors might be, the grander security landscape of the country provides a more realistic perspective. More than ever, Nigerians have to contend with the frightening reality of a failed national security system.
Confidence UbaniJanuary 5, 20242 Mins read233
