Rivers State Governorship Candidate Regains Freedom after Abduction

Sobomabo Jackrish, the Rivers State governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement in the 2023 election, has been freed forty-eight hours after being abducted from his residence by gunmen wearing military uniforms.

The abduction occurred on Monday when armed assailants stormed Jackrish's residence in the Usokun community, Degema Local Government Area of the state. Tragically, two of his aides were killed during the raid, and their bodies were taken alongside Jackrish to an undisclosed location.

Confirming his release on Wednesday, one of Jackrish's aides, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the situation, revealed that their principal regained freedom on Tuesday evening. However, it was lamented that some of Jackrish's property and personal belongings were looted during the incident.

Following his release, Jackrish was reportedly taken to the 6 Division, Nigeria Army, in Port Harcourt, also known as Bori Camp. Despite the ordeal, he has chosen to refrain from making an official statement until consulting with his legal counsel.

The incident drew attention from both military and police authorities. While the acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division, Army Public Relations, initially claimed unawareness of the abduction, the spokesperson of the state Police Command confirmed the situation, attributing Jackrish's arrest to a sister security agency.

In response to the abduction, the family of the former governorship candidate, along with his political party, the NRM, convened a media briefing on Tuesday morning. They called for Jackrish's immediate release and urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to intervene and apprehend those responsible for the attack and killings.

Jackrish's abduction and subsequent release highlight the security challenges facing not only Rivers State but also Nigeria as a whole. The incident underscores the need for concerted efforts from security agencies and government authorities to address the rising wave of insecurity in the country and ensure the safety of all citizens.