Police launch manhunt for abductors of Bayelsa commissioner
[From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa]
Bayelsa Police Command says it has launched a manhunt for the arrest of gunmen who kidnapped Hon. Federal Otokito, the Commissioner for Trade and Industry, in the state.
A statement by the State Police Spokesman, Superintendent of Police, (SP) Asinim Batswat, Friday said gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted Hon Federal otokito at his residence in Otuokpoti, a riverine community in Ogbia Local Government Area Bayelsa State on January 20, 2022.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that, the kidnappers stormed the residence of Hon Federal Otokito on 20th January, 2022 at about 23:00hours and whisked him away in a waiting speedboat to an unknown destination.
“The Command has launched manhunt for the rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects. Investigation is ongoing”, the statement added.
Unconfirmed reports have it that the commissioner was kidnapped following his uncompromising stance against plans by youths in the area to set up illegal refinery camps at Agbura within the neighborhood of Otuokpoti.
Meanwhile, the State Police Command has said that the ban placed on unauthorized gathering in the state is still in force.
A statement signed by Asinim Bautswat, Police Public Relation Officer on Friday said the reminder has became imperative against the backdrop of an ugly development, where suspected political thugs clashed at Kpansia community on 20th January 2022, leading to burning of a car and injuries on some persons.
“The command hereby wishes to state categorically, that it will not condone any act(s) of illegality by any person or group of persons in the guise of protest or campaign, as the ban on rally, campaign and protest has not been lifted yet.
“The Command is soliciting the co-operation and understanding of Political party faithful and members of the public to comply with this order, as it is aimed at ensuring public safety in Bayelsa State”.
