In a distressing incident, gunmen, suspected to be car snatchers, have shot an E-hailing car driver and stolen his vehicle in the Rumuokalabo area of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. This disturbing event occurred shortly after the River State’s Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, had paraded five suspected car snatchers apprehended in various parts of the state, some of whom were involved in dispossessing Bolt drivers of their vehicles.
According to an eyewitness who requested anonymity, the incident unfolded around 10:12 p.m. on a Monday in the Rumuokalagbor area. The eyewitness recounted that while walking toward the D/Line area of the city, they suddenly heard voices from a vehicle, indicating that people were engaged in a dispute. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that two men inside a red Spider car, one in the front and another in the back, were in physical combat with the driver, punching him in the face.
The situation took a tragic turn when gunshots were fired, and the assailants swiftly fled the scene in the stolen car. The eyewitness and others present discovered the driver, who had been shot and pushed out of the vehicle. He was identified as a Bolt driver who had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was bleeding. They rushed him to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
The River State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, was contacted for additional information regarding the incident. However, at the time of this report, she had not provided any updates from the Divisional Police Officer.
This disturbing incident highlights the ongoing security concerns and challenges associated with car theft, especially targeting ride-hailing drivers, in the region. Swift and effective law enforcement responses are crucial to addressing these issues and ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers.
