
A mother's world was shattered when her son, 34-year-old Horsefall Rowland, was found dead just hours after being kidnapped. The harrowing incident began on the evening of September 10, 2024, when Rowland failed to return home from a meeting in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) and Peter Odili Road.
Gloria George, Rowland's mother, spoke to her son at 10 p.m. that night, and he reassured her he was on his way home. But by 5 a.m. the next morning, the family’s worst fears were confirmed when Rowland called to say he had been taken hostage by kidnappers.
Ransom Demands and Tragic Outcome
Desperate to secure his release, the family received threats from the kidnappers, who demanded ransom payments. They initially transferred ₦30,000, followed by another ₦300,000 after receiving chilling voice notes and photos warning of Rowland’s impending death if their demands were not met. Despite these payments, Rowland’s lifeless body was discovered along Queens/Kings Bakery Abuloma Road in Port Harcourt.
Police Investigation Unveils Gruesome Details
The Rivers State Police Command, led by the Special Operation and Intelligence Team, launched an investigation and arrested five suspects: Endurance Thompson (23), Boma Otonye (41), David Ishaku (34), Moses Benjamin (29), and Emmanuel (32).
Thompson, the prime suspect, confessed to a chilling series of events. He claimed Rowland had attempted to purchase cocaine with a fake bank transfer alert. Upon realizing the fraud, Thompson said Rowland was beaten and abandoned. Later, Rowland sought medical help but succumbed to his injuries while being transported in a tricycle to another location. His body was ultimately dumped near a bakery.
Mother's Anguish and Police Efforts
Recounting the ordeal to police, Gloria George revealed the relentless ransom demands and threats made by the kidnappers. “They demanded ₦2.5 million but agreed to ₦300,000,” she said. “We hoped paying would save him, but it was already too late.”
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed that Rowland’s body has been preserved in a morgue, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects implicated in his death.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic loss of Horsefall Rowland has left his family and the Port Harcourt community reeling. The case underscores the urgent need to address kidnapping and violent crimes in the region, as residents call for justice and greater security measures.
Posted: at | |