TheCable

Philemon Kingoli, chairman of Okrika LGA in Rivers state, has been kidnapped by gunmen.

He was whisked away on Wednesday night in an attack that occurred along Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Nnamdi Omoni, Rivers police spokesperson who confirmed the incident to TheCable, said investigation is ongoing to rescuing the chairman.

“There is no contact yet from the kidnappers, but we are out to ensure that the man is released timely and unhurt,” he said.

“The commissioner of police, Friday Eboka, has directed all the tactical commanders to move in immediately to ensure his release.”

Earlier, some suspected cultists had also killed two people at a hotel located around Victoria and Bende street in the old Port Harcourt township.

The police has since deployed more officers to secure the area.

The incident comes days after gunmen attacked police facilities in Imo state — which shares border with Rivers — raising concern about security challenges in the south.