The issue of kidnapping and murdering victims in Rivers State has been a reoccurring one; from cases of ‘one-chance’ operators down to rubbering, then to kidnapping, which has become alarming within the state.
The security operative from the River State Command has intensified efforts to clamp down on reoccurring incidents.
The most recent situation was the kidnapping and murder of Mr. Christopher Akpabio after his minibus was hired by unsuspecting alleged kidnappers from Garrison Park, a popular area in the state capital, to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area (LGA) under the guise of a traditional marriage ceremony.
The 55-year-old deceased was a native of Akwa Ibom State.
Without his knowledge, Mr. Akpabio, now deceased, was killed and buried in the Asarama Community in Andoni LGA, and his black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA was taken from him.
Through the directive of Rivers State Command (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, according to the command spokespersons, Blessing Kaborlo on Thursday, a manhunt was initiated, which led to “the discovery of the victim’s remains, which were buried in a shallow grave at Asarama community in Andoni LGA.”
The investigation revealed that three suspects were arrested on 28 May 2026 through the operative of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Diobu, following “a painstaking intelligence-driven investigation.”
The arrested suspects include Mr. David Mark, 30-year-old and Mr. Nkajit Williams, 45-year-old are native of the Andoni LGA respectively while Mr. Godgift John, 33-year-old, a native of the Okrika Local Government Area, as the fourth suspect remains at large.
“…concerted efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fourth suspect who is currently at large,” the spokesperson said.
Kaborlo stated that the investigation is still ongoing and the 55-year-old remains have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination.
More details indicated the stolen minibus has been recovered as residents are advised to report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station, while urging them to exercise caution while entering a commercial vehicle and avoid late-night trips.
“Commercial drivers are strongly advised to always inform family members, colleagues, or trusted associates before embarking on such journeys.”
The Command further encouraged residents to make use of the Command emergency lines provided: Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, and Control Room: 08032003514.
However, while assuring the residents of a conducive environment within the state, the Command reassures their commitment to protecting lives and property.
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