Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Gunmen abduct traditional ruler’s police orderly, driver in Rivers

Gunmen had invaded the residence of Cornwell Ihunwo, the paramount ruler of Rumu-Elechi, Nkpolu Orowurokwo, around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.

• June 23, 2024
Gunmen
Gunmen used to illustrate the story

The Rivers State Police Command in Rivers has confirmed the abduction of a popular traditional ruler’s police orderly and driver by suspected kidnappers.

Gunmen had invaded the residence of Cornwell Ihunwo, the paramount ruler of Rumu-Elechi, Nkpolu Orowurokwo, around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The gunmen had invaded the place to abduct the traditional ruler but could not find him.

The hoodlums then took the royal father’s police orderly and driver at gunpoint to an undisclosed location.

The police command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Sunday that the command’s tactical team had been deployed to rescue the victims.

“The commissioner of police, Olatunji Rilwan, has ordered the swift arrest of the perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.

“The Octopus Strike Force unit has already commenced a full-scale investigation to ensure the victims regain their freedom unhurt,” she stated.

Ms Iringe-Koko said Mr Disu had visited the scene of the abduction for an on-the-spot assessment.

The chief security officer of Nkpolu Orowurokwo community, Godstime Ihunwo, told journalists that the traditional ruler was unharmed during the incident.

“At about 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, I received a call regarding HRM Ihunwo’s abduction. I immediately rushed to his house on Eagle Island, where I met him.

“Chief Ihunwo told me that the gunmen had taken away his driver and police orderly,” he said.

Mr Ihunwo is the younger brother of Victor Ihunwo, a former chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Bayo Onanuga

NationWide

Over 80% of Nigerians struggle to feed, commute, keep business alive, ADC tells Tinubu govt 

Mr Abdullahi maintained that the Tinubu administration had failed a key test of governance. 

Joseph Anani

Economy

Tincan customs generated N111.2 billion in May: Official 

Mr Anani expressed satisfaction with the command’s revenue performance. 

President Bola Tinubu

NationWide

Tinubu says Africa holds key to world’s industrial future

Mr warned against Africa remaining only a supplier of raw materials.

Edo State Independent Electoral Commission

States

12 parties completed nomination forms for Edo LG poll: EDSIEC

The commission also said that it has published the final list of candidates.

Army rescues three kidnap victims

States

Army rescues three kidnap victims, foils terrorist attack in Zamfara, Sokoto

He said the victims had spent about three months in captivity.