Uboks Gab
5 November 2008
Port Harcourt — The Rivers State government has called for the immediate and unconditional release of a Lebanese taken hostage by unknown gunmen.The Lebanese, an employee of Homan Engineering Company, whose name is yet to be disclosed, was said to have been taken hostage along Choba Road, Port Harcourt on Monday.
Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mr Ogbonna Nwuke in a statement issued in Port Harcourt said it was unreasonable for anyone to engage in such a criminal act, stressing; "What the state governments in the Niger Delta region expect from their people are contributions that fast-track the development of the region".
He called on those behind the recent kidnap of the innocent Lebanese to release him unconditionally, noting that the Rivers State government would not fold its arms and watch residents of the state being subjected to inhuman treatment under whatever guise.
Mr Nwuke reassured the people of government's commitment to the security of lives and property. The recent kidnap followed the abduction of the zonal manager of Zenith Bank, Omoku Branch, Mr Patrick Okoroja at the weekend.
Militants were said to have stormed Okoroja's residence through the water ways and taken him captive to an unknown destination in the creeks.
Spokesman of the Joint Task Force JTF in Rivers State, Major Sagir Musa has confirmed the kidnap of the Lebanese, but assured that the force has swung into action, not only to secure the release of the Lebanese, but also to ensure that the kidnappers are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.
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