A tragic twist of fate struck in Rivers State on Monday night when Gibson Reuben, a Dutch national and Managing Director of Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, lost his life while attempting to flee from suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred along the notorious Aleto-Eleme River, an area plagued by criminal activity due to its poor infrastructure. Reuben’s vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux van, plunged into the river as he tried to evade his abductors.
Speaking on the heartbreaking incident, Rivers State Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the expatriate’s death in a statement on Wednesday.
“The victim, Mr. Gibson Reuben, was ambushed by unknown gunmen. During the attack, his vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the Aleto-Eleme River,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She revealed that Reuben was not traveling alone. “Fortunately, the mobile police personnel accompanying him managed to escape from the vehicle after it submerged,” she added.
A swift response was launched to locate Reuben, but hope turned to sorrow when a search team recovered his lifeless body alongside the submerged vehicle.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered an intense manhunt to track down the perpetrators.
During his visit to the crime scene, Adepoju assured the public of the police force’s commitment to bringing the culprits to justice.
“We will not rest until those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended. I urge members of the public to provide any credible information that could lead to their arrest,” Adepoju said, echoing the call for collaboration in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The Aleto-Eleme stretch of the Eleme-Refinery-Onne Road, where the tragedy occurred, is infamous for its deteriorating state. Frequent potholes and poor visibility at night have turned it into a haven for kidnappers and armed robbers.
Local residents and commuters have repeatedly raised concerns about the road’s condition, with many labeling it a “death trap.” Despite ongoing reconstruction efforts, the area remains a hotspot for criminal activities.
A resident, Chibuzor Amaechi, lamented, “This road is a disaster waiting to happen every day. Criminals hide in the dark corners, and it’s worse at night. We’ve been begging the government to speed up repairs, but nothing has changed.”
Monday’s incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have heightened fears among both locals and expatriates working in Rivers State.
Rivers State, known for its vital role in Nigeria’s oil production, has long been a magnet for expatriates. However, the rising insecurity in the region is now putting international partnerships and investments at risk.
The tragic death of Reuben has reignited calls for urgent intervention to address both the deteriorating road infrastructure and the increasing wave of criminality.
A statement from the Rivers State Chamber of Commerce expressed condolences while urging the government to prioritize the safety of citizens and expatriates. “This loss is a wake-up call. Businesses cannot thrive in an environment where safety is compromised,” the statement read.
Reuben was a well-respected figure in Rivers State, known for his work in agriculture and economic development. As the Managing Director of Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, he had played a pivotal role in improving cassava production and boosting food security in the region.
His death has left colleagues and associates in shock. This incident is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by expatriates and residents in regions struggling with insecurity. It underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the government, law enforcement, and local communities to restore safety and trust.
