Gunmen yesterday (Thursday) shot dead three policemen on escort duty at Rumuokoro axis of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

After killing the officers, the gunmen reportedly abducted the Managing Director of an oil and gas company in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The identities of the victims and the company were not immediately known.

A News Expressfan who alerted the Publisher of the tragic incident on Thursday evening said in a WhatsApp message: “Eyewitness account narrates that some police escorts have just been killed this evening by suspected Kidnappers @ the new Rumuokoro flyover.

“They were said to have made away with their principal and left the Toyota Landcruiser and Hilux in the middle of the bridge.

“Witnesses, as seen in the video (see status) suspect that one of the policemen may still be breathing, but claimed they were too scared to help him for fear of police wahala.

“There are fears that the recent naira change may increase crime rate in the country as men of the underworld may become desperate for cash since they may not be able to exchange their ill gotten wealth for the new notes”.

The picture became clearer this morning, with media reports confirming the WhatsApp message.

According to the Daily Trust account of the incident, “The police officers, who were in a Hilux vehicle, according to an eye witness, when their attackers opened fire.

“The witness said the gunmen blocked the vehicle in which the top oil worker was, then rained bullets on the other one which conveyed the deceased police officers.

“The assailants were said to have whisked their target away after gunning down his escorts.

“The incident caused pandemonium along Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt as residents scampered for safety.

“When contacted, spokesperson of the State police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying full-scale investigation had been launched.”

Iringe-Koko was quoted as saying: “Yes, it is true that three policemen were killed. It is very unfortunate. They were providing escort for the oil company workers when the incident happened.

“But we are on it and an investigation has been launched immediately into the incident with a view to apprehend the suspects.”

Update news