EX-RIVERS COS PROTOCOL OFFICER ABDUCTED BY GUNMEN; SUSPECT CAPTURED BY POLICE

Mr. Justice Azunda, a protocol officer for Chief Emeka Woke, the previous chief of staff of the Rivers State Government House, has been abducted by gunmen.

While Mr. Azunda and others were at a meeting, the assailants broke into the Isiodu community and opened fire randomly before dragging him away.

The kidnapping was carried out, according to Dr. Chidi Lloyd, the chairman of the Emuoha Local Government Area, who was speaking about the incident. Wordi is thought to be the suspected kidnapper and has been listed as sought.

“In what I describe as a very sad incident yesterday (Sunday) afternoon,” Dr. Lloyd said. When Justice Azunda and a few other people were having a discussion in the Isiodu community, Wordi and his gang barged in and started firing randomly at the gathering.

“Mr. Justice Azunda was taken hostage in the ensuing melee.

He asked members of the Emuoha Local Government Vigilante Service, a local vigilante organization, to help the law enforcement officials and secure the victim’s quick release.

Members of the Emuoha Vigilante are active and successful lately, he said. They spent time in the woods. Once more, I’ve ordered them to see to it that Mr. Justice Azunda is discharged undamaged.

The head of Emuoha council issued an immediate ban on motorcycle operations in the area while also announcing a N2 million reward for Wordi’s capture.

“I also want to use this opportunity to announce that the reward for information leading to the capture of Wordi has been doubled from N1 million to N2 million.

“I must regrettably inform you that motorcycles are not allowed to be driven in local government between the hours of 6 pm and 6 pm.

“The ban shall take effect on June 5, 2023. I am aware of the suffering this will bring the populace,” Dr. Lloyd remarked.

Meanwhile, a suspect connected to the kidnapping crime has been detained and is assisting police with their investigation, according to State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko.

She revealed that in order to ensure Mr. Azunda’s prompt release from captivity, State Commissioner of Police Emeka Nwonyi had sent the tactical teams from the command to the region.

The suspect is assisting the police with their investigation after being sent to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department.

“Actions are being taken to guarantee the kidnap victim’s unconditional and unharmed release. The CP has already ordered a tactical deployment to the area as we speak,” she continued.