By Charles Nwoke, Yenagoa, Nigeria.
Unknown gunmen in military uniform have made away with Madam Betinah Benson, the mother of Secretary to the State Government of Bayelsa, Kombowei Benson.
The octogenarian was abducted at her residence in old Legislative Quarters, Yenagoa, the state capital at about 11pm on Tuesday night.
The 80-year-old Madam Betinah, who was equally said to have been previously kidnapped in 2013, was said to have been whisked away to an unidentified place.
The aged woman was said to have been abducted for ransom.
Every attempt to get a clue of what led to Madam Betinah’s kidnap was fruitless as his son, Kombowei Benson, a former Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, was not available to attend to questions.
However, the Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed the kidnap incident.
Asinim Butswat, the Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that the Command had launched a manhunt for the rescue of Madam Betinah and apprehension of the suspects.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Butswat disclosed that “Madam Betinah Benson, aged 80, was kidnapped on 20th of July 2021, at about 23:00 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, a Superintendent of Police, said the Police Commissioner, Mike Okoli, and other detectives had visited the scene and investigation is on top gear.