By Augustine Ehikioya
Bursting crimes in Rivers State, officials of the Police Command in the State have arrested four kidnap kingpins terrorizing Egwi-Etche and environs of Etche Local Government Area.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Ag. Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Command, DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA) said that luck ran out for them when they abducted one Pastor Jeremiah Atelibo of Salvation Ministry Church, Port Harcourt on 28th February, 2022.
It said “Operatives using artificial intelligence were able to locate and storm their hideout and arrested four suspects namely; Barisi Yikes age 31 years, Chinedu Simeon age 28 years, Justice Obodo age 32 years, and Jeffrey age 28 years were arrested and their victim. Pastor Jeremiah was successfully rescued unhurt.
“A locally made pistol with three live cartridges was recovered from them, among other exhibits.
“In a related development following a report of kidnap by one Karibo Awantaye, ‘m’ a bolt driver who was kidnapped along Rumubiakani in Eneka road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on 19th March, 2022, Police swung into action and the kidnappers were traced and given a hot chase.
“On sighting the Police, gun duel ensued with the kidnappers. Two of the suspects were fatally wounded and the victim was rescued unhurt along with his Toyota Corolla vehicle with Registration No. AKD 914 DL also the ransom money and other assorted charms were equally recovered at the scene.”
The statement said that efforts are on to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.