The incident occurred around 4pm when gunmen intercepted some vehicles, forcefully dragged out some of the occupants, and whisked them off to an unknown destination.
Their release came more than 24 hours after the Rivers State Police Command said tactical team commanders and Divisional Police Officers were deployed within the scene for adequate security measures.
The spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the release to our correspondent on Friday.
He said the captives have all reunited with their families.
She explained that the release of the abductees followed pressure after the deployment of personnel to the area.
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olatunji Disu, had a meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers within the area of jurisdiction with tactical team Commanders and instructed them of adequate security measures in place to ensure those abducted on January 2, 2024 along Aluu-Igwuruta Road should regain their freedom
“Based on the pressure and massive deployment of police presence, the victims were released and have reunited with their family members today,” she stated
Iringe-Koko, also expressed happiness that there was relative peace in the state during the festive season.
She called on law-abiding citizens of the state to continue to support the police with relevant information that will lead to the arrest of criminals.
“Everything went on peacefully during this festive period and we are still enjoying the peaceful situation in the state.
“We have this slogan that when you see something say something. When you notice any suspicious movement in your neighbourhood, report it to the nearest police station because security is everybody’s business,” she said.
