Gunmen abduct governorship candidate, kill two others

Gunmen dressed in military uniform on Monday morning whisked away the Rivers State governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement in the 2023 general election, Sobomabo Jackrich, at his residence in Usokun in Degema Local Government Area of the state.

Also, it was gathered that two of his loyalists found when his residence was raided around 3am on Monday were shot dead by the assailants, and their remains were taken away along with Jackreech.

Jackrich, popularly known as ‘Egberipapa’ was a former militant leader who embraced amnesty during the tenure of 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 persons 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.”