A Hilux van carrying two firm staff, together with a overseas nationwide, plunged into the Okulu River on Monday evening whereas fleeing from suspected kidnappers alongside the Eleme part of the East-West Street in Rivers State.
Eyewitnesses mentioned the driving force misplaced management of the car after armed hoodlums attacked the convoy, inflicting it to skid off the bridge and crash into the river.
By Tuesday afternoon, the van and its occupants have been nonetheless trapped, as rescue efforts continued.
The Chairman of Eleme Native Authorities Space, Brian Gokpa, mobilised a rescue workforce to the scene on Tuesday, enlisting the help of operatives from the Nigerian Navy and different rescue companies to retrieve the car and its occupants.
Skilled divers and marine police have additionally been deployed to bolster the rescue mission, whereas frantic efforts are being made to recuperate the victims and car from the river.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene at round 11 am on Tuesday.
He recommended Gokpa for his swift response and for mobilising safety forces and rescue groups to handle the incident.
Gokpa reiterated his dedication to safeguarding lives and property within the space, vowing to empower extra personnel to help within the ongoing rescue efforts and make sure the perpetrators of the assault are delivered to justice.
The deplorable state of the East-West Street and the removing of railings from bridges within the space, attributable to vandalism, have made the route more and more harmful.
The street has turn out to be infamous for kidnappings, accidents, and associated crimes.
Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and mentioned investigations are ongoing.
“Sure, I can affirm the incident. The Commissioner of Police has visited the scene. Updates can be offered as quickly as obtainable,” she mentioned.
Search and rescue operations are nonetheless underway, with authorities working to recuperate the car and its occupants as investigations into the assault proceed.