A Dutch expatriate, Mr Gibson Reuben on Tuesday drowned in Aleto River along the Eleme section of the East West Road, in Rivers State....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
Daily Champion gathered that the Dutch Expatriate, Reuben who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, who was driving a white Hilux mistakenly crashed into the River on Monday night while fleeing from suspected kidnappers who attacked his vehicle.
Lifeless body of the deceased expatriate and the Hilux was however recovered and brought out of the river by divers and the Rivers State Police Marine Unit, who were contacted for rescue operation by the Chairman of Eleme local government area, Hon. Brain Gokpa.
The accident caused gridlock on the road which is still under construction, as passengers were left stranded for hours while the search and rescue operation lasted on Tuesday.
Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement issued Tuesday evening, said the expatriate was returning when his vehicle was ambushed by the gunmen at about 8pm on Monday.
SP Iringe-Koko noted that Mobile Police personnel attached to the Dutch expatriate managed to escape, but he and the Hilux Van were submerged in the water.
She said: “The incident occurred on Monday, January 13, 2025, at about 2030hrs, at Aleto Eleme Bridge, where unknown gunmen ambushed Reuben’s vehicle, causing him to lose control and crash into the river.
“Fortunately, the Mobile Police personnel accompanying Reuben managed to escape, but he and the Hilux Van were submerged in the water.
“A search party led by the Command’s Marine Unit was constituted to rescue the expatriate. Unfortunately, the search party’s efforts resulted in the recovery of the lifeless body of Mr. Gibson Reuben and the White colour Toyota Hilux Van.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A Adepoju, visited the scene of the incident and condemned the attack as “very barbaric”.
She said the Police Commissioner has vowed to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice, while ordering a full-scale investigation into the incident and urged anyone with information about the attack to come forward and assist the police.
“The police are working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served, and the perpetrators are brought to book.
“The Command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the state,” she said.
As Police declare one officer missing, two injured in sea pirates’ attack on Marine Team
Meanwhile, Gunmen suspected to be Sea Pirates have attacked a Marine Police Patrol Team (MPPT) on the Oron-Calabar waterways.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom Police Command, DSP Timfon John, said the patrol team was ambushed by 24 armed Sea Pirates.
John said, “The patrol team, during a routine operation, came under heavy attack from the criminals, who were armed and dressed in military camouflage.
“The assailants, numbering about 24, and operating in three speedboats, attempted to overpower our gallant officers in a gun duel.
“Despite their numerical advantage, our officers put up a brave fight but sustained losses.
“Regrettably, two officers, Inspector Sunday Usuyak and Inspector Edet Enenyi, sustained gunshot injuries, and are receiving top-notch medical attention.
“One officer, Inspector Udi Emenyi, is currently [sic] unaccounted for.
“The Akwa Ibom Police Command has swung into immediate action, deploying a specialised search and rescue team to track and recover the missing officer.
“The Nigerian Navy and other security services have been duly informed and is [sic] collaborating with the Police for the operations.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that the Akwa Ibom Police Command will stop at nothing to ensure the perpetrators of this heinous act are apprehended and brought to justice.
“Our waterways will not be a safe haven for criminals.”.
The PPRO solicited intelligence from members of the civil society that could lead to the arrest of criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.
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