EIGHT KIDNAPPED WASSCE STUDENTS, ELEVEN OTHERS RESCUED IN RIVERS STATE

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By: Motunrayo Aniwura

Nineteen individuals, including eight students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, have been rescued after being abducted by suspected pirates.

The victims were held captive for 21 days in the Bille waterways of Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Their release was secured on Monday evening by a local security outfit known as Royal Fouchee Security Services, also referred to as the Amama Soldiers. The group is led by Asari-Dokubo, a former militant turned traditional ruler of the Torusaramapiri community in Degema.

The abduction occurred on May 6, when pirates attacked two passenger boats en route to Bille and kidnapped all occupants, including the students. The incident sparked widespread calls for their release.

The kidnappers later reached out to the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of N100 million.

Asari-Dokubo, speaking about the rescue, revealed that he and his team launched the operation on Sunday following a request from the Department of State Services. He also mentioned that one of the victims, who had earlier paid N10 million in ransom, assisted the team in locating the kidnappers’ hideout.

“These people were kept in terrible conditions for 21 days. They were starved and badly treated. One of them, who was released after paying N10 million, helped us find the kidnappers’ camp,” he said.

Asari-Dokubo also raised concerns about a missing soldier, Lance Corporal Salihu Ibrahim, who was in one of the boats. Only his uniform and ID card were found, and he fears the soldier may have been killed.

One of the suspects arrested, named Victor Friday, claimed he didn’t take part in the kidnapping. He said he only stayed in the camp and was used to running errands.

He named a man called Kentebe from Bayelsa State as the leader of the gang, who is now on the run.

A rescued victim, Victor Akinloye, who was also a boat driver, said they were beaten, stripped naked, and their phones and ATM cards were taken.

The kidnappers also withdrew money from their accounts.