Police rescue 80yr-old mother of Bayelsa SSG after 32 days in kidnappers’ den
[From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa]
Mother of the Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Madam Benita Benson who was abducted by daredevil gunmen July 20, 2021 at her son’s residence, Opolo , Yenagoa has been rescued by the men of Operation Puff Adder, a special unit of the police force in Bayelsa.
Our correspondent learnt that the aged woman was in a jubilant mood when she was handed over to his son, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson Sunday evening in the presence of relatives and security operatives.
Security sources also informed our correspondent that the release of Madam Benson followed persistent pressure on her abductors by the operatives of men of Operation Puff Adder of the State Command of the Nigerian Police led by Christian Nwaogbo.
The security source also confirmed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.
It was also gathered that the sum of N 4 million and two android phones was paid to the kidnappers by the SSG who described the payment as a “token gift” to the kidnappers and not ransom payment.
The elated Madam Benson was said to have prayed for the Commander of the Operation Puff Adder, expressing her gratitude to God and the men of the police force for securing her release from the kidnappers. She was also quoted as saying that her abductors treated her well and expressed happiness to be back home.
Meanwhile, the SSG in an interview told newsmen that despite the fact that five members of her family have been victims of kidnapping in the state at various times, he would never pay ransom to criminals. He expressed implicit confidence in the capacity of security agencies and God to secure the release of her Mother.
He said: “Mama is back to the house and I want to give thanks to God and the security team in the state. I am so happy that my mother is back. Even if I tell people that ransom was not paid, they will not believe me. When they demanded for N500 million, I stood my ground. Even when I said I will not pay, I gave them a token to allow mama came back home.”
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Echeng Eworo Echeng, told newsmen that the pressure from the police led to the release of the octogenarian.”Our message to those involved in such heinous act is that it is a crime and no matter how involved you are, you will be arrested.”
