Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has issued a 72-Hour ultimatum to the chiefs and leaders of Andoni Local Government Area, to ensure the immediate release of three kidnapped expatriates of Raffoul Nigeria Limited, who are involved in the construction of the Unity Road in the area.

Governor Wike issued the ultimatum in a statement by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, on Saturday.

The Governor said he will formally withdraw the recognition of all Government Recognised Chiefs in the Local Government Area and cancel the Andoni aspect of the Unity Road project if the leaders failed to secure the release of the three expatriates kidnapped by Andoni youths at the expiration of the ultimatum.

Governor Wike further stated that, “Other communities across the state must take measures to protect contractors and workers executing projects for them.”

The Rivers State Governor, Wike said the same sanctions will be meted out to other communities where chiefs and leaders allow project contractors to be kidnapped by community youths.

Three expatriates working on the Unity Road connecting three Local Government areas of Khana, Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro, were abducted by armed men few days ago which has led to suspension of work on the project.