The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of Mr Gibson Reuben, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, an expatriate from the Netherlands, who was attacked by unknown gunmen on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Aleto Eleme Bridge.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the expatriate was returning when his vehicle was ambushed by gunmen at about 2030 hrs.
Iringe-Koko noted that Mobile Police personnel accompanying Reuben managed to escape, but he and the Hilux Van were submerged in the water.
She noted that a search party led by the command’s Marine Unit was quickly constituted to rescue the expatriate.
Unfortunately, their efforts resulted in the recovery of the lifeless body of Mr Gibson Reuben and the white Toyota Hilux Van.
She said: “The incident occurred on Monday, January 13, 2025, at about 2030 hrs, at Aleto Eleme Bridge, where unknown gunmen ambushed Reuben’s vehicle, causing him to lose control and crash into the river.
“Fortunately, the Mobile Police personnel accompanying Reuben managed to escape, but he and the Hilux Van were submerged in the water.
“A search party led by the Command’s Marine Unit was constituted to rescue the expatriate. Unfortunately, the search party’s efforts resulted in the recovery of the lifeless body of Mr Gibson Reuben and the white Toyota Hilux Van.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A Adepoju, visited the scene of the incident and condemned the attack as “very barbaric.”.
She said the police boss vowed to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Also, CP Adepoju had ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and urged anyone with information about the attack to come forward and assist the police.
“The police are working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators are brought to book.
“The Command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the state,” she said.