The Rivers State Police Command has successfully eliminated four suspected kidnappers believed to be behind multiple abductions in the region, including the kidnapping and murder of Hope Georgewill.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the police, confirmed the deaths of the suspects in a statement released on Tuesday. She revealed that the suspects were involved in the kidnapping of Georgewill, the CEO of HMG Attitude Limited.
According to Ms Iringe-Koko, Georgewill, along with two others, was kidnapped on March 26 near the Cotton Channel along the Bakana River by a group of sea pirates led by Preye Ngian-Ngian, a native of Degema Local Government Area in Rivers State.
“After the abduction, a ransom of N2 million was paid for Georgewill’s release. However, despite the payment, Georgewill was killed, and his body was later recovered and taken to the morgue,” she said.
Following his death, the police initiated an intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of two suspects. These individuals guided the police operatives to the gang’s hideout located in a creek off the Bonny waterways.
Upon reaching the hideout, the police were met with intense gunfire from the suspects. In response, the operatives engaged in a shootout, fatally wounding two suspects, while others managed to flee with injuries.
The two suspects who had guided the police to the location attempted to escape during the gunfire but were apprehended with gunshot wounds. They were taken to the Police Clinic, but all four suspects later succumbed to their injuries.
Recovered from the hideout were several items, including an operational speedboat, two outboard engines (80 horsepower and 70 horsepower), Georgewill’s mobile phone, a live cartridge, and various food items.
The police spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang who are still at large.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors in the state,” she concluded.
