Edith CHUKU
24-year-old woman who was kidnapped along Igwuruta-Etche Road in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, has been rescued.
The victim whose name was given simply as Chinyere, was abducted while traveling to Delta State to visit a friend.
She was rescued by the State Police command, who also arrested five suspects allegedly involved in her kidnap.
Those arrested were 23-year-old Mr Gift Okeregwu and 27-year-old Mr Okeregwu Onyekachi, both are natives of Okehi Community in Etche LGA. Okeregwu was arrested at his hideout along the Omuoda Pipeline, Allu, Port Harcourt.
Others were 27 years old Bright Augustine and 35 years old Chijoke Nwalozie, both from Akukabu Community, Etche LGA and 26-year-old female suspect, Obinachi Rita.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, revealed that “On October 4, 2026, at about 0900 hours, the command received a complaint that one Chinyere, had been kidnapped.
“The victim had reportedly travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3, 2026, to visit a friend when she was abducted along the Igwirita–Etche Road.
“Following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police command, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, upon receipt of the complaint, the operatives of the Command Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Diobu immediately swung into action and arrested the perpetrators of this crime.
“During investigation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping and disclosed information about other kidnapping incidents within Igwirita and Etche.
“They further disclosed that they lured victims from within and outside Port Harcourt through online dating sites before abducting them.”
Meanwhile, the CP reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes to justice.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with strangers met through online dating platforms, verify identities before arranging physical meetings and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
