Medical Doctor kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Bayelsa

Insecurity in Bayelsa State ahead of the December 5 governorship election worsened Friday following the abduction of a medical doctor in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

The doctor identified simply as Ekwueme was kidnapped a day after a similar fate befell Madam Ebifeghe Dikoro, 105 years old mother of Chief Wilberforce Igiri, the running mate to the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Timipre Sylva.

Ahead of the elections, the activities of criminals have increased in the state especially kidnappers who reportedly carry out their operations unhindered on daily basis.

Many traditional rulers and women were said to have been kidnapped with the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trading blames.

It was learnt that Ekwueme who works in a clinic in Korokorosei, the community of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Kombowei Benson, was abducted in the community.

He was reportedly kidnapped from his home at about 3am by unidentified gunmen who operated in speedboats.

The assailants were said to have shot sporadically into the air before breaking into the apartment of their target.

They were said to have bundled him into a speedboat and sped off to an unknown place.

A security source who confirmed the development described the rate of kidnapping as worrisome and overwhelming.

The source who pleaded anonymity regretted that all the security outfits in the state including the police were helpless over the development and called on the people to be vigilant.

He said the crime rate would increase ahead of the election.

It was also gathered that another medical doctor in Nembe Local Government Area recently received a threat from a gang of kidnappers.

The kidnappers were said to have sent a bank account number to him directing him to deposit N200, 000 into the account or they would abduct him.

An activist, Mr. Alagoa Morris, condemned the rising cases of kidnapping saying: “The security situation has gone beyond critical. It was better during militancy”.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Asinim Butswat, promised to give further details.