Metro
Bayelsa commissioner abducted in Jonathan’s Otuoke
The cloud of political uncertainty hovering over Bayelsa State took another dimension on Sunday, as gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, abducted the state’s Commissioner for Local Government, Madam Serefina Otazi.
The abduction of the commissioner is coming barely 24 hours after a younger sister of Governor Seriake Dickson, Miss Nancy Dickson, was also kidnapped alongside her salesgirl in Yenagoa.
Otazi was reportedly abducted in Otuoke, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s home town in Ogbia Local Government area of the state.
A nephew of the commissioner, Mr. Patrick Oba, confirmed the kidnap, adding that she was abducted in Otuoke on her way to Ewoi community for a funeral at gunpoint.
The kidnappers reportedly whisked away the victim who was in company of two ladies.
Otazi had served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Acting Chairman of Ogbia LGA.
Read also: Gunmen abduct Bayelsa gov’s sister
Also, a family member, Mr. Endurance Frank, said that the family had reported the incident to the police.
He urged the kidnappers to release the victim unhurt.
The spokesman for Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed the abduction, adding that the command had intensified efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend the culprits.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Campaign Organisation in Bayelsa State has described the abduction of Nancy Dickson, as politically motivated.
Condemning the incident, the PDP, through the Publicity Director of the Restoration Campaign Organisation, RCO, Jonathan Obuebite, warned the immediate family members and relations of the governor to be mindful of their movement and those they associate with.
It said that security reports at its disposal revealed more kidnappings between now and the January 9, re-run election in the state.
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