Kidnappers of the mother of the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly, Mrs. Bettina Okunwa Benson have demanded N40 million ransom
from the family before she could be released. The 78-year-old woman was
kidnapped at Korokorosei, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa
State by gunmen, who came to the community in two speedboats.
Anxiety had gripped the family when after 72 hours she was abducted;
her kidnappers had not established contact with the family to make any
demands. Investigations revealed that the family became relieved
yesterday, when the kidnappers called a family member on phone late on
Wednesday night, demanding that the family make available, N50 million
for the release of the woman.
The kidnappers were said to have sounded impatient, when the family
member pleaded that they should come down on their demand.
Investigations revealed that yesterday, the kidnappers came down on
their demand and reduced the ransom to N40 million with a warning that
they would not negotiate further. They were said to have assured the
family that Madam Benson is in good spirits.
Sources in the family said there was no sign to indicate whether the
Speaker, Mr. Konbowei Friday Benson would succumb to the payment of
ransom, particularly with security agencies closing in on the
kidnappers. According to the political associates of Benson, his mind
was made up, as he would not part with any money for the kidnappers to
release his mother.
Checks indicated that Benson’s decision not to pay ransom was
unconnected to the zero tolerance on crime and criminality of the
Governor Henry Seriake Dickson and the headway the security agencies had
made so far in their investigation. Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Police
Command had arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnap.
The two suspects were said to have been picked by the crack team of
detectives and intelligence officers deployed to the community by the
Commissioner of Police, Mr Kings Omire. The suspects who had undergone
interrogation in police custody were said to have provided more clue to
the police on the kidnap.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Fidelis Odunna, who
confirmed the arrest of the two suspects, but declined to reveal their
identities, said they had made useful statement. Odunna, who said the
police were aware that the kidnappers had contacted the family, said the
police were on their trail and would soon apprehend them.
SUN
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