By Desmond Ejibas
Four kidnappers allegedly linked to the abduction and murder of Hope Georgewill, Chief Executive Officer of HMG Attitude Limited, and two others were kidnapped along the Cotton Channel, Bakana Rivers State on March 26 have been shot dead.
Georgewill was killed by the kidnappers despite collecting N2 million ransom for his release’
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt,
She added that the four notorious kidnappers were also involved in a series of other abductions within the state and environs.
Iringe-Koko stated that She noted that abduction Georgewill was carried out by a group of sea pirates led by one Preye Ngian-Ngian, a native of Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.
“After the abductions, a ransom of N2 million was paid to secure Georgewill’s release.
“However, the victim was ultimately killed, and his body was later recovered and deposited at the mortuary,” she confirmed.
Following Georgewill’s death, Iringe-Koko reported that the police launched an intelligence-led investigation, which led to the arrest of two suspects.
She said that these suspects subsequently led operatives from the command’s Anti-Cultism Unit to the gang’s hideout in a creek, off the Bonny waterways.
According to her, upon arrival at the location, the police operatives came under heavy gunfire from the suspects.
“Our operatives responded with decisive force, and in the ensuing exchange of gunfire, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, while others fled the scene with injuries,” Iringe-Koko stated
She further revealed that the two arrested suspects, who had earlier guided the operatives to the location, attempted to escape amid the chaos but were apprehended with gunshot wounds.
“All four injured suspects were immediately transported to the Police Clinic for medical treatment, but were confirmed dead on arrival by the attending medical personnel,” she added.
Items recovered from the hideout include an operational speedboat, 80 horsepower and 70 horsepower outboard engines, the mobile phone belonging to the late Georgewill, one live cartridge, and various food items.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing members of the gang.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains resolutely committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the state,” Iringe-Koko concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
