Expatriate, Others Missing as Vehicle Plunges into River While Escaping Kidnappers in Rivers State

A tragic incident unfolded on Monday night along the Eleme axis of the East-West Road in Rivers State when a Toyota Hilux van, attempting to evade suspected armed kidnappers, veered off the Eleme Bridge and plunged into the Okulu River.

The van, reportedly carrying an expatriate and other workers from an undisclosed company, lost control during the escape attempt and fell into the water. Witnesses at the scene revealed that the vehicle and its occupants remain submerged as rescue efforts continue.

The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Brian Gokpa, led a rescue team to the site early Tuesday morning. He confirmed reaching out to the navy and other rescue agencies to expedite the retrieval of the vehicle and its passengers. Professional divers and marine police have also been deployed to aid the ongoing search operation.

Despite their efforts, a local source disclosed that, as of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, neither the van nor its occupants had been located. The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, also visited the scene, commending Gokpa for his swift response and promising to strengthen security measures in the area.

Residents have raised concerns over the deteriorating state of the Eleme Bridge, citing vandalism that has left its railings removed, making it increasingly unsafe. There have also been prior reports of armed criminals targeting travelers on the bridge, using the river below as a means of escape.

Gokpa assured the public of intensified efforts to rescue the missing individuals and bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice.