Panic struck students of Rivers State University in Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, after armed assailants stormed an off-campus hostel in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and kidnapped five students.

The attackers, reportedly members of a cult group, allegedly invaded the private lodge in Emuoha Local Government Area around 2 a.m., firing shots into the air before abducting their victims.

Police Confirm Cultist Attack

Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the incident, saying the attack bore all the hallmarks of cultist activity.

“They were abducted by cultists. In the early hours of Tuesday, a group of cultists stormed an isolated area of Rumuchi/Rumuohia, shot into the air, and abducted five persons to an unknown destination,” she said.

Iringe-Koko added that tactical police units have been deployed to track the kidnappers and ensure the students’ safe release. The Commissioner of Police has personally gone to the scene with security teams to oversee rescue operations.

Student Accounts

A student who narrowly escaped recounted the terrifying ordeal, noting that the hostel’s security dog was killed before the gunmen entered the premises.

“I initially thought it was fireworks, but moments later, I realised gunmen had invaded the hostel. One of them fired at me as I ran. Just when one assailant stopped chasing me, another emerged from the bush and continued pursuit. Some of our students, about four or so, are missing now,” she said.

Ongoing Investigation

Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the search for the abducted students continues. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the rescue efforts.