Gunmen Reportedly Kidnap Rivers Gov Candidate, Kill Two Others

The governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement in the 2023 general election in Rivers State, Sobomabo Jackrich, was kidnapped on Monday by gunmen at his residence in Usokun in the Degema Local Government Area of the state.

The assailants, who were dressed in military uniforms, also shot two of his loyalists found when his residence was raided around 3 a.m., and their remains were taken away along with Jackrich.

Jackrich, popularly known as ‘Egberipapa’, was a former militant leader who embraced amnesty during the tenure of the late President, Umar Yar’Adua.

When contacted, Jackrich’s media aide, Soibibo Sokari, confirmed the killing and the kidnapping of his principal to our correspondent.

Sokari stated, “Yes, it is true; he was abducted this morning. Two people were killed, and their bodies were carted away along with him. We are still following up on the incident to get more details.

“We don’t know exactly who is behind it. But as the details unfold, we will let the public know about it.”

Meanwhile, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that it was the military that whisked away the ex-militant leader, saying, “His residence was condoned.”

Efforts to reach the acting Deputy Director, Division, Army Public Relations, Lt Col. Jonah Danjuma, proved abortive as he did not pick up calls put across to him as of the time of filing this report.

However, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed to our reporter that it was not a case of kidnap but that Jackrich is with security personnel.

She stated, “It is not a kidnapping. He is with some security personnel. That is all I can say for now.”