Five students of Rivers State University (RSU) who were abducted from their off-campus residences in Emuoha Local Government Area have been successfully rescued unhurt by security forces. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the rescue operation took place on Thursday morning in Rumudogo 2 Community, Emuoha LGA, following their abduction in the early hours of Tuesday.

The rescued students, identified as Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson (four males and one female), were abducted by unidentified cultists. During the abduction, the assailants, believed to be members of a cult group, stormed a private lodge in Emuoha LGA around 2 am, shooting into the air and fatally shooting a security dog before seizing their victims. The incident comes almost a week after another off-campus residence was attacked, resulting in property theft and a student being stabbed.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the rescue operation was led by the Command’s tactical teams in collaboration with other security agencies and with crucial support from the local community. All five students were recovered safely and immediately taken to a hospital for medical checks. Efforts are currently underway to track down and apprehend the fleeing abductors, with Police Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju issuing a warning that perpetrators would “face the full force of the law.” He also assured residents that their security remains a top priority and called for continued cooperation.

Following the abduction, the management of Rivers State University took immediate action. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, announced the temporary suspension of academic activities at the Emuoha satellite campus and advised all residents to vacate for their safety. Prof. Zeb-Obipi expressed serious concerns that if those responsible for the incident are not apprehended, the security threat could extend beyond the campus. He emphasized that the university is prioritizing student safety, engaging government officials, and is committed to pursuing the individuals responsible through the proper channels until they are brought to book. Students had previously protested similar criminal attacks and harassment in the area, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.