Corpse of expatriate, others missing as vehicle fleeing kidnappers plunges into river recovered
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the corpse of Mr. Gibson Reuben, an expatriate and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, whose vehicle plunged into the Eleme River following an attack by criminals.
The incident occurred on Monday night, January 13, 2025, at Aleto Eleme Bridge. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Mr. Reuben was ambushed by unknown gunmen while driving a white Toyota Hilux van.
In the ensuing chaos, he reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into the river.
READ ALSO: Kidnappers attack 18-seater buses, abduct 3 soldiers, 30 others
While the Mobile Police personnel escorting him managed to escape the attack, Mr. Reuben, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, tragically lost his life.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, visited the scene alongside the Area Commander of Eleme, divisional police officers, and tactical teams to oversee rescue and recovery efforts.
A marine search team was deployed, and their efforts led to the recovery of both the expatriate’s body and the submerged vehicle.
In a statement at the scene, CP Adepoju described the attack as “barbaric” and vowed to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice. “We strongly condemn this heinous act and assure the public that a full-scale investigation is underway,” he stated.
The tragic death of Mr. Reuben, an expatriate from the Netherlands and a key figure in the Rivers State Cassava Project, has cast a shadow over the community, with calls for improved security to protect lives and property in the area.
The police have urged the public to come forward with any information that could aid in apprehending those responsible for the attack.
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