Dr Joe Ayuwo, a lecturer with the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), who was kidnapped by gunmen last month has regained his freedom.
It will be recalled that Dr. Ayuwo was kidnapped on February 21, 2021, while returning from a function in Andoni local government area of Rivers State.
The university don was kidnapped on the same day as his traditional ruler, King Aaron Ikuru, King of Ikuru Town and Chairman Andoni Council of Traditional Rulers in Andoni LGA.
Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the development on Tuesday March 16, said the victim was rescued on Monday, March 15 and is currently receiving medical attention.
Omoni said his release was made possible due to the intense and relentless pressure mounted by the Police.
He disclosed that through technical intelligence, the police spotted their location and was closing in on the kidnappers. Upon seeing the red flag, they abandoned the victim and fled.
“Recall that since the abduction of the traditional ruler and the university don, the police in synergy with other security agencies has been working assiduously to ensure their unconditional release with careful deployment of tact and diplomacy in the operations, while avoiding bloody confrontation that would have led to fatalities” he stated.
Omoni said that with the release of the lecturer, as all energies would now be channeled towards ensuring the rescue of the traditional ruler of Andoni.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Eboka Friday appeals to the public to remain calm as the command is poised to rid the State of the menace posed by these criminal elements.” he added.