File: Nigerian Police on patrol

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Rivers Police Command on Tuesday rescued 15 passengers who have been earlier abducted while travelling in a commercial bus in the Egbeda axis of Emohua local government area of the State.

The passengers  were rescued after fierce gun battle with kidnappers, Mr.Nnamdi Omoni, DSP, the Rivers Police Public Relations Officer said while confirming the rescue of the passengers.

“I can confirm that the 15 passengers abducted by hoodlums about a week ago were rescued unhurt around Egbeda axis of Emohua after fierce gun battle.

“As I speak with you the rescued passengers are debriefing the Police and are also undergoing medical attention”.

The police had earlier recovered the bus  and passengers manifest immediately after the kidnap.

Omoni said the passengers were taken inside a bush by their abductors.

“The abductor came with three motorcycles. One of the motorcycles had earlier been recovered, with the bus,” Mr. Omoni said.

The passengers were abducted along the road last week Wednesday, June 14 on their way to Port Harcourt

It would be recalled that in September last year, 14 oil workers traveling in a coaster bus from Omoku to Port Harcourt were also abducted along the same road.

The workers were later rescued by the Rivers Police anti-kidnapping unit after days of intense combing of the bush around the area.