Bayelsa SSG’s Mum Kidnapped By Gunmen In Military Uniform

Some gunmen in military camouflage have abducted Madam Betinah Benson, mother of Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government Kombowei Benson.

The octogenarian was abducted at her residence in old Legislative Quarters, Yenagoa, the state capital, about 11 pm Wednesday.

The 80-year-old woman was also reportedly abducted in 2013.

Efforts to get insight into the likely reason for her abduction did not succeed as his son, Kombowei Benson, a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly neither took his calls nor responded to text messages to his mobile phone.

The police command confirmed the abduction.

Spokesman Asinim Butswat said the command has launched a manhunt for the assailants with a view to rescuing Madam Betinah.

In a statement, Butswat said, “Madam Betinah Benson, aged 80, was kidnapped on 20th of July 2021, at about at about 2300 hours at her residence at Old Legislative Quarters, Azikoro Road, Yenagoa.

“The kidnappers, who were dressed in military camouflage, stormed the residence and kidnapped the victim to an unknown destination.”

Butswat said Commissioner of Police Mike Okoli, and other detectives have visited the scene and that investigation was in progress.

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In Imo, police said they smashed a notorious kidnap syndicate in Delta State that have been terrorising Imo residents lately and rescued a victim unhurt.

Parading six suspects on Tuesday, Police Commissioner Abutu Yaro said the rescued abductee, one Cornelia Oluebube, was abducted by the suspects at Amakohia in Owerri on July 3, 2021.

He said the suspects, Terry’s Mez, 31, of Aguleri, Anambra State, Willine Ebefal, 21, of Ogbokuno, Delta State,  and Obasanjo Kimakia, 20, of Tamime, Delta State, were arrested in Delta State after forensic investigation.

“On  interrogation the three suspects volunteered useful information that took the  Command’s Tactical teams to Delta State on July 19 at about 1130 hours , for the rescue of the kidnapped victim,” Yaro said.

In Jigawa, police spokesman Lawan Shiisu said a man was abducted and that N60 million has been demanded for his release.