One Killed, Two Expatriates Kidnapped In Delta

Gbarigolor, a riverine community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State was thrown into apprehension yesterday following the kidnap of two Lebanese and one Nigerian attached to Setraco Nigeria Limited, a construction firm working in the area, by unknown gunmen.

A native of the community identified as Mr Joseph Akpudi, working with the construction firm was reportedly killed in an exchange of gun fire between the suspected kidnappers and local vigilante after security aides attached to the expatriates fled into the swamps for safety following the heavy shootout.

The kidnapped expatriates simply identified as Hadrid and Ghardel, were whisked away by the abductors in a waiting speed boat, after they allegedly stormed Gbarigolor community at 9am, a community used to be known for peace.

The heavily armed suspected kidnappers escaped into the creeks, and found their way through the Esama River and headed towards Bayelsa State.

A source revealed that a commercial motorcyclist identified as Emiekeme was hit by stray bullet and is receiving treatment in a private hospital in Bomadi.

According to the source, the company was working on the Gbarigolo/Esama Bridge when the hoodlums struck.

Although the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident, a senior police officer in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, however confirmed the incident. He said the police was on top of the situation and expressed hope that the suspected hoodlums would be arrested and bought to book as soon as possible.