Police gun down 4 suspected kidnappers who murdered company CEO in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has announced the death of four suspected kidnappers believed to be responsible for the abduction and brutal killing of Hope Georgewill, the Chief Executive Officer of HMG Attitude Limited.

Georgewill was abducted on March 26, 2025, along the Cotton Channel in Bakana, Rivers State, alongside two other individuals. Despite his family reportedly paying a ransom of ₦2 million, the entrepreneur was tragically murdered by his captors.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the police launched an intense manhunt following the incident. Their efforts culminated in a shootout during which the four suspects were gunned down.

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“The abduction of Mr. Hope Georgewill was carried out by a gang of sea pirates led by one Preye Ngian-Ngian, a native of Degema Local Government Area,” said SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Command.

“After collecting a ransom of N2 million, the gang murdered the victim and dumped his body, which was later recovered and deposited at the mortuary.”

Iringe-Koko noted that the group was notorious for multiple kidnappings across the state and surrounding regions.

Following Georgewill’s murder, the police initiated an intelligence-led investigation which led to the arrest of two suspects.

“These suspects cooperated with operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit and led them to the gang’s hideout in a creek off the Bonny waterways,” she stated.

However, the operation took a violent turn. “Upon arrival at the hideout, our officers were ambushed with heavy gunfire. The operatives responded swiftly, engaging the suspects in a shootout during which two gang members were fatally shot, while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” Iringe-Koko said.

The two suspects who had guided the police to the hideout also tried to flee amid the chaos but were subdued and apprehended, despite sustaining gunshot injuries.

“All four injured suspects were taken to the Police Clinic for emergency treatment but were confirmed dead on arrival by medical staff,” Iringe-Koko added.

A cache of items was recovered from the scene, including a speedboat used in operations, two outboard engines (80hp and 70hp), a live cartridge, various food supplies, and a mobile phone belonging to the late Georgewill.

Iringe-Koko emphasised that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains resolutely committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the state,” she added.