By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu
A Local Security Outfit, the Royal Fouche Security Services Ltd., popularly known as the Amama Soldiers has rescued 19 passengers abducted while traveling to Bille along the Isaka River three weeks ago.
According to report, the passengers were taken by sea pirates to an undisclosed location, where the kidnappers demanded a ransom of one hundred million naira.
However, a breakthrough came when another victim, who had previously paid a ₦10 million ransom, alerted the Amanyanabo of the Source, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, who promptly mobilized his security outfit for a rescue operation.
The operation led to the rescue of 19 out of 20 abducted passengers.
One of the victims, Corporal Salisu Ibrahim of the Nigerian Army, had earlier been taken away separately by the kidnappers and remains unaccounted for.
Speaking to the Newsmen, before handing the rescued passengers over to operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Amanyanabo of Torusarama-Piri and CEO of Royal Fouche Security Services Ltd., Da Amakiri Tubo, condemned the kidnappers' actions as barbaric and inhumane.
He assured the public that those responsible, many of whom fled the scene, would be tracked down and brought to justice, just as those who were behind the killing of the late entrepreneur, Engr. Hope Moneyman Georgewill.
Issuing a stern warning to sea pirates, Dabaye Amakiri declared that Rivers State would no longer serve as a haven for criminal elements on its waterways.
He reiterated his commitment to restoring safety to the State’s maritime routes and highlighted the collaboration between the Amama Soldiers and national security agencies, promising similar success as achieved along the once-dangerous Emohua/Kalabari road.
“The waterways of Rivers State are safe for navigation. We call on the public to share useful information that can help prevent future attacks. Together, we will secure our communities,” he stated.
Several rescued victims expressed deep gratitude to the Amanyanabo and his security outfit for their timely intervention. One of the rescued boat drivers, a Bille indigene, recounted ordeal:
“We were kidnapped by gunmen from Bayelsa State and held for 21 days. They initially demanded ₦100 million from our families, warning that the Bonny people had complied and would be released first. We didn’t expect help. But suddenly, the Amama Soldiers stormed the camp and rescued us. We thank God and the Amanyanabo. May God bless him with long life. He deserves more support from both the federal and State governments for the great work he is doing.”
The Rescued Victims are:
1. Benjamin Jumodiema – Bille
2. Excel Agama – Bayelsa
3. Mpakaboari Godson Ogunga – Bille
4. Glad Orlu – Bille
5. Prince Douglas – Abia State
6. Augustine Sylvanus – Degema
7. Yahaya Ali – Sokoto State
8. Ali Sale Tiga – Nasarawa State
9. Luke Malachi – Andoni
10. Jones Saliu – Adamawa State
11. Ayi Sylvanus – Bayelsa
12. Samuel Green – Bonny
13. God is Alive Moses – Andoni
14. God’s Love David – Andoni
15. Ruth Samuel – Okrika
16. Hannah Samuel – Bille
17. Mary Christopher – Akwa Ibom
18. Otokini Ateme – Bille
19. Haruna Bala – Benue State.
The rescued individuals have been handed over to the appropriate security agencies for documentation and further actions before being reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the release of the victims to our correspondent.
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