Two suspects have been arrested in connection with recent attacks on students of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, even as gunmen believed to be cultists on Tuesday abducted about five undergraduates from their off-campus residence in the Emuoha Local Government Area of the state.
The latest kidnapping occurred barely a week after students living around the institution’s Emuoha satellite campus protested incessant attacks and demanded relocation to the main campus in Port Harcourt.
Despite the concerns, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, had on Monday ruled out shutting down the satellite campus or moving the students, insisting that the university was taking appropriate measures—including engagements with community leaders and security agencies—to ensure safety.
But in the early hours of Tuesday, armed men stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia in Emuoha and whisked away five students after firing shots and killing a security dog on the property.
Spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, describing the attackers as cultists who invaded the residence “in a commando-style.”
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. In the early hours of Tuesday, a group of cultists numbering five stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia, shot and abducted five persons to an unknown destination,” she said, adding that the Commissioner of Police had deployed tactical teams to secure their release.
A female student who escaped told reporters she initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks but fled after realising the danger. She said one of the gunmen chased and fired at her as she ran for safety, while “some of our students, about four or so, are missing now.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of Emuoha Local Government Area, Dr Chidi Lloyd, announced that two suspects linked to last week’s off-campus attack on RSU students had been arrested.
“The one that happened, we have also arrested two suspects. They are there (in custody). They will be charged in court soon so that we can use them as examples for others not to try it. This campus must remain,” Lloyd said during a visit to the university’s main campus.
He urged collaboration between the council and the university to improve accommodation and vowed that the satellite campus would not be relocated. According to him, criminals were attempting to scare students away from taking over the area.
“It’s a strategy; when they frighten you, you leave, and they will come and take your place. We will not let these people succeed,” he added.
