Expatriate, others trapped as vehicle escaping kidnappers plunges into river

A Hilux van carrying two company workers, including a foreign national, plunged into the Okulu River on Monday night while fleeing from suspected kidnappers along the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

Eyewitnesses said the driver lost control of the vehicle after armed hoodlums attacked the convoy, causing it to skid off the bridge and crash into the river.

By Tuesday afternoon, the van and its occupants were still trapped, as rescue efforts continued.

The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Brian Gokpa, mobilised a rescue team to the scene on Tuesday, enlisting the support of operatives from the Nigerian Navy and other rescue agencies to retrieve the vehicle and its occupants.

Professional divers and marine police have also been deployed to bolster the rescue mission, while frantic efforts are being made to recover the victims and vehicle from the river.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene at around 11 am on Tuesday.

He commended Gokpa for his swift response and for mobilising security forces and rescue teams to address the incident.

Gokpa reiterated his commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the area, vowing to empower more personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts and ensure the perpetrators of the attack are brought to justice.

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The deplorable state of the East-West Road and the removal of railings from bridges in the area, caused by vandalism, have made the route increasingly dangerous.

The road has become notorious for kidnappings, accidents, and related crimes.

Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing.

“Yes, I can confirm the incident. The Commissioner of Police has visited the scene. Updates will be provided as soon as available,” she said.

Search and rescue operations are still underway, with authorities working to recover the vehicle and its occupants as investigations into the attack continue.