HomeMetro#Foreigner and Others Feared Dead as Vehicle Escaping Kidnappers Plunges into Rivers...

#Foreigner and Others Feared Dead as Vehicle Escaping Kidnappers Plunges into Rivers State Bridge

Tragedy struck in Rivers State on Monday as a white Toyota Hilux, reportedly belonging to a company, plunged into the Okulu Aleto River in Eleme Local Government Area while attempting to evade suspected kidnappers. The incident has left a foreigner and others feared dead.

How It Happened

According to eyewitness reports, the vehicle was part of a convoy ambushed by armed assailants near the Okulu Aleto Bridge. In a frantic bid to escape, the driver of the Hilux lost control, causing the vehicle to skid off the bridge and into the river below.

The bridge, which is part of the East-West road connecting Port Harcourt to Ogoni communities and Akwa Ibom, has long been in a state of disrepair. Vandals had earlier removed its railings, leaving it exposed and unsafe, which reportedly contributed to the ease with which the vehicle plunged into the water.

Persistent Security and Infrastructure Concerns

The area has become a notorious hotspot for kidnappers, with gangs allegedly using the river to ferry victims to unknown locations. Residents have repeatedly raised alarms about the dangerous state of the bridge and the increasing rate of attacks in the area.

Joseph Obele, Chairman of the Property Owners on Eleme East-West Road, expressed frustration over the contractor, RCC, and called for the revocation of their contract.
He stated, “This tragic accident is a direct consequence of the neglect and poor management of the Aleto Bridge. Despite numerous complaints from road users, necessary measures to protect lives have not been implemented.”

Rescue Efforts Underway

Emergency response teams, including the Nigerian Navy, Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and local police, have been mobilized to the scene.

The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Brian Gokpa, has spearheaded the rescue operation. Late on Tuesday, the search team discovered the submerged van and recovered the body of one occupant. However, efforts are still ongoing to retrieve other missing persons.

Police Response

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adewole, visited the scene and commended the local government chairman for his proactive measures. He assured the public of continued efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and ensure the safety of residents in the area.

Call for Action

This incident has reignited calls for urgent intervention to address both security and infrastructure challenges in Rivers State. Residents and stakeholders urge the government to expedite the reconstruction of the Aleto Bridge and increase security presence along the East-West Road to prevent further tragedies.

The search operation remains active, and authorities are working to recover any remaining victims while investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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