Five students of Rivers State University (RSU) who were abducted in the early hours of December 3 have been rescued unharmed, following a coordinated operation by the Rivers State Police Command, allied security agencies, and local community leaders.
The victims—Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson—were kidnapped from their isolated residences in Rumuche/Rumuohia, Emohua Local Government Area around 1 a.m.
The rescue operation took place in nearby Rumuodogo 2, where the suspects had taken the students.
Preliminary investigations suggest the abduction was carried out by suspected cultists, a view supported by community leaders who noted that the attackers were not strangers to the area.
The Youth President of Rumuohia explained that information obtained shortly after the incident pointed to the involvement of youths from the neighboring communities of Rumuodogo 1 and 2, reportedly working with a member of Rumuohia who has already been handed over to the police.
He added that the community confronted the CDC Chairman of Rumuodogo and set a 3 p.m. deadline for the release of the students, an action credited with speeding up the rescue.
Security analysts highlighted that the attack fits the pattern of rival cult groups in the region, who often operate across communities in battles for supremacy and territorial control. Insider collaboration, they noted, is frequently key to such operations.
A community source added, “In every domain, there is a dominant cult group. Nothing major happens there without their knowledge. If an opposing group tries anything, it usually signals a battle for control.”
The police confirmed that the suspects had fled before officers arrived but left behind crucial leads, including the detained collaborator, which investigators say will help track down the remaining perpetrators.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the prompt cooperation between security agencies and community leaders.
He warned that the command “will not rest until all those responsible are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” while urging residents to continue providing credible information to authorities.
The rescued students have been taken to a hospital for medical examination.
The Rivers State Police Command reassured the public that ensuring citizens’ safety remains a top priority and encouraged residents to continue their daily activities without fear.
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