Gunmen Kidnap 5 Students from Rivers State University Off-Campus Hostel

Unknown armed men have reportedly abducted five students of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt from an off-campus hostel in the dead of night.

The assailants, believed to be members of a cult group, reportedly invaded the private lodge in Emuoha Local Government Area around 2 am on Tuesday, shooting into the air before seizing their victims.

The public relations officer for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying that the operation bore all the markings of a cult attack.

Iringe-Kok added that the armed gang struck suddenly and whisked the students away to an unknown location. She added that tactical police teams have since been deployed to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

She stated, “They were abducted by cultists. In the early hours of Tuesday, a group of cultists numbering five stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia, shot and abducted five persons to an unknown destination.

“We (police) have put efforts in place for their safe rescue. As I speak, the Commissioner of Police has gone there with tactical teams to ensure they regain their freedom.”

One student who narrowly escaped told reporters that chaos erupted when the gunmen stormed the compound, killing the hostel’s security dog before entering freely.

The shaken student recalled hearing what she first mistook for fireworks, only to realise moments later that gunmen had invaded the residence.

She said the attackers fired at her as she attempted to flee. She added that just as one of the assailants suddenly stopped chasing her, another emerged from the bush and continued the pursuit.

She said, “He was running after me and even shot at me. I don’t know how many times. I couldn’t even look back because I was more focused on escaping.

“So the person just stopped and went back to my compound. Then someone from the bush came out and ran after me. I had to run faster to the gate of the person who was supposed to open it for me. Some of our students, about four or so, are missing now.”

Police assured that investigations are ongoing, while the search for the abducted students continues.