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Posted By OgaDeyVex On October 14th, 2024
Four of the God Is Good (GIG) motors passengers kidnapped at the weekend have been rescued, The Nation learnt on Sunday, October 13.
The four passengers were rescued by operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tactical Squad around Elele in Rivers State.
Police spokesperson in Rivers, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the rescue of the victims to The Nation yesterday evening.
She said efforts had been intensified to free other passengers, adding that the police were not aware of the total number of passengers that were taken hostage.
“I can confirm to you now that four of the victims have been rescued. The Commander of the Tactical team just passed that information now. The CP has ordered that efforts be intensified to free the other victims. We do not know yet the number of persons that were kidnapped,” she said.
Gunmen on Friday night kidnapped all passengers in the bus which left Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The suspected kidnappers who also took the bus driver hostage, later released him alongside a woman with her crying baby and the company’s bus but kept all the passengers captives.
Aggrieved relatives of the kidnapped passengers had stormed the transport company’s office demanding answers as they alleged that the firm took no action to reassure them their loved ones would return safely.
Confirming the incident, GIG in a statement posted on their official X account, said the bus left Utako for Port Harcourt.
“We write with deep concern and compassion to the families, loved ones of our guests, and the general public regarding the unfortunate kidnapping incident involving our bus en route from Utako to Port Harcourt on October 11 2024.
“We are fully committed to doing everything in our power to bring a safe resolution to this situation. It’s usually advised that in situations like this less information in the public is better for the safety of the guests.
“At GIGM, the safety and wellbeing of our guests are our top priorities. We have not left anyone out. Every person involved in this distressing situation matters to us. We have reached out to the next of kin of the passengers, held meetings, and engaged in other security-led discussions with the families to keep them updated and offer any support they may need during this time. We are committed to continuing these efforts.
“Contrary to circulating reports, we want to clarify that GIGM has been working closely with the authorities since the incident occurred. We are actively cooperating with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities in their efforts to ensure the safe return of all those affected.
“In addition, contrary to the information circulating in the public domain about our captain, we want to clarify that our captain, along with a woman whose baby was crying continuously at the scene, was released by the kidnappers.
“Upon release, he immediately reported the incident to the anti-kidnapping unit in Port Harcourt at around 11:30 pm. yesterday (Friday), accompanied by the same woman.
“Since then, he has remained with the police, fully cooperating with their investigation as they work towards a swift resolution: and we have been in constant and continuous communication with all the law enforcement units since that time.
“This is undoubtedly a challenging and emotional time for the families and loved ones affected, and we share in this distress. We remain in constant communication with the authorities and will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds.
“We encourage the public to rely on verified information as we work hand in hand with law enforcement and other agencies to bring this matter to a safe conclusion.
“Your safety is and always will be our highest priority. We remain unwavering in our commitment to ensuring every passenger returns home , where they belong…” it said.
Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/gig-kidnap-four-passengers-rescued-police-intensify-efforts/amp/
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