NEWS UPDATES 11/04/2024
Ex-Rivers Gov Candidate Regains Freedom
FORTY-EIGHT hours after he was abducted from his residence by gunmen in military uniform, the Rivers State governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement in the 2023 election, Sobomabo Jackrish, has regained freedom.
Jackrish was whisked away on Monday by gunmen who invaded his residence in the Usokun community, Degema Local Government Area of the state.
Two of his lieutenants were killed by the assailants who raided his home and their bodies were carted away along with Mr Jackrich to an unknown destination.
One of his aides who pleaded anonymity, because of the sensitive nature of the matter, confirmed his release to our correspondent on Wednesday.
He said his principal regained his freedom on Tuesday evening, alleging that some of his property and personal effects were looted from his residence.
He further said following his release, he was taken to the 6 Division, Nigeria Army, in Port Harcourt, also known as Bori Camp.
According to him, “Yes, he was released yesterday (Tuesday) evening. Though the military was denying involvement, from our findings, he was taken to Bori Camp.
“Some of his personal effects were looted, including foodstuff. For now, he has decided not to make any official statement until he finishes consultation with his lawyer.”
It will be recalled that the acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, had, in a terse response to our correspondent on Monday, said he was not aware of the incident.
But the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Orange-Koko, confirmed the situation, saying Jackrish was arrested by a sister security agency.
On Tuesday morning, the family of the former governorship candidate and his party, the NRM, addressed a media briefing, demanding his immediate release and called on President Bola Tinubu and the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to intervene and unravel the operatives behind the attack and killing.