In a swift turnaround, five students from Rivers State University in Port Harcourt have been freed following a tense kidnapping incident at their remote campus.
The ordeal began early Tuesday when armed individuals snatched the group from their off-campus homes in Emuoha Local Government Area. This sparked widespread fear among peers.
Campus unrest quickly escalated. Fellow students staged demonstrations, urging administrators to shift operations back to the safer main site in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo.
University leaders responded promptly. Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi stepped in, halting classes temporarily at the Emuoha branch and ordering an immediate evacuation for safety.
By Thursday, authorities announced the breakthrough. State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko shared details of the successful operation.
“We mobilized our elite tactical units alongside partner agencies to storm the hideout in Rumuodogo 2,” Iringe-Koko explained in an official update. “Thanks to community tips, we brought everyone out unscathed.”
The rescued group includes Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson. One woman was among them.
Medical teams are now checking the victims at a local hospital. Officials stressed that no injuries occurred during the rescue.
Hunt for the suspects continues. Police believe the attackers, linked to local cult groups, fled the scene amid the raid.
“Our teams are closing in on these criminals,” Iringe-Koko added. “We’re committed to bringing them to justice and preventing future threats.”
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Rivers State’s educational hubs. Parents and students alike are calling for enhanced protection measures.
University officials have yet to confirm when the Emuoha campus might reopen. For now, focus remains on student well-being and campus safety upgrades.