Gunmen have abducted 78-year-old Patimi Akene, the mother of the Bayelsa
State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Furoebi Akene.
The abduction of Patimi came 18 days after Ogboro Orumo, 90-year-old
mother-in-law of Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Tombowei Benson, was
kidnapped.
Orumo’s whereabouts had remained unknown since May 30 when her abductors
whisked her away from her residence in Krokorosei in the same Southern Ijaw
Local Government Area.
Sources said Patimi was kidnapped on Saturday by six gunmen at Ofoinbiri
community.
It was learnt that the commissioner’s mother and one of her
granddaughters were returning home from a church vigil in the community at
about 1am on Saturday when the hoodlums swooped on her.
They were said to have sped away with the victim into the creeks in a
speed boat they operated.
The commissioner, who confirmed his mother’s abduction, said the gunmen
took her away without firing a gunshot.
Akene said his mother’s assailants covered her mouth with a handkerchief
when she screamed for help, threatening to kill her and the granddaughter if
they did not keep quiet.
The commissioner said, “My mother was in company with one of her
granddaughters when the armed men arrived at about 12 am and took her away.
“Preliminary investigation showed that the gunmen know her and have been
studying her.”
He said the gunmen established contact with him on Sunday evening and
demanded his resignation from the cabinet of Governor Seriake Dickson as
ransom.
Akene added, “Someone that I suspected to be one of the kidnappers called
me and said they don’t need my money. But that I should ‘withdraw’ from the
present administration as commissioner. I think what they are demanding is for
me to resign my appointment.
“My brother, I think the people interested in my job as commissioner in
the state are the ones behind the abduction of my mother.”
When contacted, Commissioner of Police, Hilary Opara, confirmed the
incident.
Opara said the police had swung into action with a view to rescuing
Patimi and arresting the culprits.
“We will continue to depend on information. We are soliciting more
information. I thank the people of Bayelsa for being aware and partnering with
the police,” he said
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