A lecturer of the Department of Linguistics and Communications Studies University of Port Harcourt, Dr Jones Ayuwo, and a first-class traditional ruler in Rivers State, have been abducted by gunmen.
Ayuwo was abducted on Sunday night (February 21, 2021) along Andoni-Ogoni road while returning from the Local Government Area of Andoni after a function by his Local Language Bible Translation committee which he serves as the secretary.
Three journalists with the Rivers State Government-owned Television who went for the coverage of the event were also attacked with their valuables and camera taken from them.
The spokesperson of the University of Port Harcourt, Samuel Kpenu who confirmed the abduction said no contact has been made with the family or the institution.
Ayuwo whose wife is the Bursar in the University of Port Harcourt also serves as a member of the Governing Council of Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Rivers State.
On Sunday evening, gunmen also stormed the palace of a First Class Traditional Ruler, King Aaron Ikuru of Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area and abducted him.
The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni said the command has received the report of the abductions but is yet to release detailed information.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Awaji-Inombe Abiante has called for the immediate release of the abductees.
Honourable Abiante in a statement he personally signed described the abduction of the first class traditional ruler as a desecration of the culture and belief of the people.
He also said the abduction of Dr Jones Ayuwo who was “on an assignment for the betterment and development of the area impedes development.”
He lamented that the attacks portray Andoni in a bad light and must be condemned by all.
