The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the release of fourteen victims kidnapped by armed hoodlums who hijacked a bus en-route Port-Harcourt from Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local government area of the state.

A bus belonging to ONELGA Link was hijacked by some hoodlums last weekend, with seventeen passengers on board. The bus was later set ablaze while the passengers were taken.

The Police in a statement signed by its Spokesman, DSP Omoni Nnamdi said the victims were rescued following the swift response of the police to the situation.

He stated that no ransom was paid for the release of any of the hostages, adding that none of the victims was hurt.

Meanwhile, the Police has cautioned members of the public to be weary of kidnappers who disguise as military personnel.

According to the statement, “It has been observed that kidnappers have now evolved new method of wearing Army Camouflage Uniforms and the use of Hilux Vehicles in perpetrating their criminal act by claiming to be Military men on official assignment.

“In view of this, the public is hereby warned to seek clearance and confirmation from the Police Control Room, before following any officer who claims to have come to arrest him/her. It has been discovered that such arrest eventually turns out to be abduction.

“On the 12th of August, 2016, fourteen (14) passengers were abducted while traveling from Omoku to Port Harcourt in a bus. In a swift reaction by the Command’s Tactical Units, the bus was seen and after a diligent operation by the Command; the hostages were released unhurt. They have been debriefed and have reunited with their families. However, no ransom was paid.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Mobolaji Odesanya, wishes to assure the good people of the State that we are on top of our game, as we continue to wage the war against all manners of crime and criminality in the State. We urge the public to continue to have confidence in the Police, and volunteer information timely, as the Command is poised to making the State safe again.?”