Kidnappers arrested after abducting pastor in Rivers State

Juliana Francis

CP. Eboka

Detectives attached to the Rivers State Police Command have arrested four suspected kidnappers after they abducted Pastor Jeremiah Atelibo of Salvation Ministry Church, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Grace Iringe-Koko, the kidnappers were part of those that had been terrorising Egwi-Etche and its environ of Etche Local Government Area.

The suspects have been identified as Barisi Yikes, 31, Chinedu Simeon, 28, Justice Obodo, 32, and Jeffrey, 28.

Iringe-Koko said: “Luck ran out on them after they abducted Pastor Jeremiah Atelibo of Salvation Ministry Church Port Harcourt on 28th February, 2022. Our 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. Pastor Jeremiah was rescued unhurt, while a locally made pistol with three live cartridges was recovered from them, among other exhibits.”

Similarly in another development operatives of the Rivers State Police Command also rescued a cab driver, who was kidnapped by suspected kidnappers. The image maker explained that in the course of trying to rescue the victim, a gun duel ensued, leading to the death of two among the kidnappers.

Iringe-Koko stated: “Following a report of kidnap by one Karibo Awantaye, a bolt driver who has 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, a gun duel ensued between the kidnappers and the police. 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. Efforts are on to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.”