Eight persons were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen around the Port Harcourt International Airport Roundabout, Omuagwa, Rivers State, Tuesday.

It was gathered that the criminals had blocked the left flank of the road from the airport, about a minute’s drive from the airport roundabout.

It was also gathered that all the victims were moving from the airport axis to the Obiri-Ikwerre area before they were attacked by the bandits.

One of the victims, who escaped, Emmanuel Biira, said three people were whisked away from his car and that one of them was shot in the head before being taken away.

Biira, who narrowly escaped the attack, said the incident happened near the airport junction and that occupants of over 10 vehicles were involved in the incident.

He narrated: “Not too far from the airport junction en route to Obiri Ikwerre flyover, I ran into an ambush with about eight to 10 other cars. We all saw the kidnappers shooting and we reversed to head back to the airport junction but we were surrounded from all angles.

“People jumped out of their cars to escape and some were shot or apprehended. I jumped out to run but there was nowhere to run to and at that moment, the Lord showed me a car, spoke to me and said ‘enter under this car.’ I obeyed.

“How can a grown man enter fully under a Honda salon car that’s not jacked up without his body being seen? But because I heard His voice, that became my saving grace. Three kidnappers walked past me, dragging a man, one entered the car I was under to off the engine because the car was on.

“I’m alive together because of His mercies and covenant of protection over His children. My wife would have been a young widow if the bullets had hit me. My young children would have been fatherless but God said no. I’m grateful to Him alone. Thank you, Jesus.” (Vanguard)