No fewer than 19 people — including five students of the Rivers State University (RSU) — were kidnapped yesterday in separate attacks in Rivers and Imo states.
This came on the same day the House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to immediately arrest the killers of five policemen murdered in Bauchi last week.
Following the sudden resignation of Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru on Monday night, President Bola Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as his replacement. The President also met with security chiefs to review the worsening security situation.
Five RSU Students Abducted in Rivers
In the early hours of Tuesday, gunmen believed to be cultists abducted at least five RSU students from their off-campus residence at the Emohua Satellite Campus in Emohua Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly stormed the lodge around 2 a.m., shot dead a guard dog, and forcefully took the students away at gunpoint.
One student, who narrowly escaped, recounted the terrifying moment:
“He was running after me and even shot at me. I didn’t look back. Some of our students, about four or so, are missing now.”
Students in the area had protested last week over repeated cult attacks and begged the school management to relocate them to the main campus in Port Harcourt.
But at Monday’s pre-convocation briefing, Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi ruled out shutting the campus, insisting the school was working with community leaders and security agencies to improve safety.
Rivers Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the abduction:
“They were kidnapped by cultists. The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical teams to ensure their safe rescue.”
Gunmen Hijack Bus, Kidnap 14 in Imo
In Imo State, gunmen suspected to be herders hijacked a fully-loaded commercial bus at Ngor Okpala on Monday evening.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers burst out of the bush, fired shots, and took control of the bus heading from Owerri to Aba.
Passengers in other vehicles fled in panic, some abandoning their cars and running into the bush.
This area has witnessed repeated attacks this year, including kidnappings of over 18 passengers in May and more than 20 in another attack weeks later.
The Imo State Police Command said the incident had not yet been officially reported but added that tactical units had been deployed to the area.
Reps Demand Arrest of Killers of Five Policemen in Bauchi
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Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately apprehend and prosecute the gunmen who ambushed and killed five police officers on November 29 in Sabon Sara, Bauchi State.
The slain officers — DSP Ahmad Muhammad, ASP Mustapha Muhammad, Inspector Amarhel Yunusa, Inspector Idris Ahmed, and Corporal Isah Muazu — were attacked during an official operation. Two other officers sustained injuries.
Mansur Soro, who represents the constituency, said the attack appeared linked to armed groups resisting the arrest of a dethroned village head whose activities threaten local peace.
He warned that the families of the officers are already suffering emotional and financial hardship.
The House urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Police Trust Fund, and the North East Development Commission to immediately support the affected families with relief materials, financial aid, and education assistance for the children.
Lawmakers also directed the Inspector-General of Police to fast-track payment of all entitlements and ensure full medical care for the injured officers.
The Committee on National Security and Police Affairs was mandated to follow up with security agencies to ensure compliance.
