Rivers Cassava Project CEO killed in abduction attempt as vehicle crashes into River (Photos)

The Managing Director and CEO of Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, Mr. Gibson Reuben, tragically died while attempting to escape an abduction by unknown gunmen at the Aleto Eleme Bridge in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State.

The incident occurred on Monday at around 8:30 pm, when Mr. Reuben, a Dutch expatriate, was in a Toyota Hilux van that swerved off the road and plunged into the river during the escape. The mobile police officers escorting him managed to flee unharmed.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the tragedy. The statement, issued by Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko, detailed that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited the scene with the Eleme Area Commander, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical units from the Command.

The police’s Marine Unit later recovered Mr. Reuben’s body along with the vehicle following a thorough search operation. The statement read: “The incident occurred on Monday, January 13, 2025, at around 8:30 pm at the Aleto Eleme Bridge, where gunmen ambushed Reuben’s vehicle, causing him to lose control and crash into the river.”

While the mobile police personnel escorting Mr. Reuben survived, the vehicle and his body were submerged in the water. The Marine Unit led a search operation that resulted in recovering both the van and Mr. Reuben’s lifeless body.

CP Adepoju condemned the attack as “barbaric” and announced a full-scale investigation. He ordered the immediate arrest of the attackers and vowed to bring them to justice. Adepoju also urged Rivers State residents to provide any information that could assist in identifying the suspects behind the assault.