Expatriate Drowns Fleeing Kidnappers: Police Investigation in Rivers

Tragic Drowning in Rivers: Expatriate Identified by Police

The Rivers State Police Command has identified the expatriate who tragically drowned while attempting to escape kidnappers as Mr. Gibson Reuben, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Cassava Project Limited.

Incident Details:

• Date and Location: The incident occurred on Monday, January 13, 2025, around 8:30 PM at the Aleto Eleme Bridge along the East-West Road in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
• Circumstances: Mr. Reuben’s vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux van, was ambushed by armed kidnappers. In an attempt to evade the attackers, he lost control of the vehicle, which then plunged into the Okulu River. While the accompanying mobile police personnel managed to escape, Mr. Reuben, who was driving, remained submerged with the vehicle.
• Recovery Efforts: A search party led by the Command’s Marine Unit was constituted to rescue Mr. Reuben. Their efforts resulted in the recovery of his lifeless body and the vehicle, bringing a somber end to the rescue mission.

Police Response:

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, visited the scene and condemned the attack as “very barbaric.” He has ordered a full-scale investigation to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The CP also called on the public to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing criminals.