Rivers LG chairman regains freedom after eight of kidnap

The chairman of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr Philemon Kingoli, has regained freedom after eight days in the kidnappers’ den.

Kingoli was whisked away by kidnappers on April 6, 2021, on the Peter Odili Road of Port Harcourt.

While confirming his rescue, the spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, said the chairman was rescued Tuesday night in a covert operation by the operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit.

Omoni said the victims had been taken to the hospital for medical attention and released to reunite with his family.

It was however, not clear if any ransom was paid.

A statement issued by Omoni in Port Harcourt yesterday stated: “The chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Chief Philimon Iwoloma Kinggoli, who was kidnapped on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 by unknown gunmen, has been freed.”

Omoni recalled that the Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, had directed all the tactical commanders to move in immediately to ensure Kingoli’s release, adding that the directives received optimum compliance.