NEDU MARK, Yenagoa
Gunmen in Bayelsa state, Thursday, kidnapped the traditional ruler of Gbarain Clan in Tombia Community, His Royal Highness, Chief C.A.O Otobotekere and whisked him to an unknown destination.
The community’s traditional ruler was abducted in the early hours by a heavily armed five-man gang from his residence.
Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen abducted the chief and forced him into a car and drove up to the Amassoma/Tombia Bridge, disembarked and burnt the car beyond recognition. They reportedly fled with the monarch in a waiting speedboat by the bridge to an unknown destination.
A food vendor at the scene of the kidnap incident is presently receiving medical treatment at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri after being hit by a stray bullet from the gang.
Contacted for comment on the abduction, Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Police Command, ASP Asinim Butsawat, said a combined search team comprising the Marine Police, Joint Military Task Force JTF, and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit has moved into the creeks for rescue operation and possible arrest of the suspects.
No group or persons has claimed responsibility for the abduction of the Tombia monarch, just as the family of the traditional ruler claims it is yet to establish contact with the kidnappers.
The kidnap of the Tombia traditional ruler follows the abduction of Prof Zibokerre Daukiye, Chairman of the Odi Compensation Disbursement Committee, in Kolokuma /Opokuma Local Government Area, as confirmed by the Police Command in Bayelsa state a few days ago.
Police said the Professor was kidnapped, Friday morning, led into a waiting speed boat and taken to an unknown destination with no group claiming responsibility for the kidnap as yet.
In addition, police are yet to link any persons with the abduction of Daukiye, just as no ransom has been mentioned in the kidnap.
Reacting, ASP Butsawat, in a statement, said investigations are ongoing.
The spate of kidnappings comes few months to the governorship poll in the state scheduled for December 5, this year.
