By Bassey Williams, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has announced the deposition of the Paramount ruler of Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area , Chief A.C.T.Wongo over his involvement in the kidnapping of the commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Federal Otokito who just regained his freedom on Monday.
The governor also announced the sacking of the Community’s Development Committee Chairman, Azibalua Amon and the Youth President, Emolem Igue. Investigations revealed that they were complicit in the kidnap of the commissioner.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, mr. Daniel Alabrah, Diri said investigations revealed that illegal refining of crude popularly called ‘kpo fire’ by those involved in the business was what led to the kidnap and he warned all those involved in the business in the state to stop forthwith.
He further thanked the security agencies and all those who volunteered information that led to tje release of the commissioner, assuring that his government will continue to make Bayelsa safe for all residents.
He warned those who see kidnapping as a business to desist from it, as the government will not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements, while calling on community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that peace prevails in their communities.
Commenting on the matter, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Nebolisa, declared, Joshua Abi, Clergy Mabinton, Gift Tebeda and Azin Azin wanted in connection with the kidnap. Speaking on his abduction, the rescued Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Hon. Federal Otokito, thanked governor Diri and his Deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, security agencies and all those who worked for his release stressing that no ransom was paid before his release.
It will be recalled that Hon. Otokito was abducted by unknown gunmen in his home town, Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State whose condition for his release was attached to the release of one of the abductors father by the police.
Meanwhile, the Governor has appointed Chief Rescue Abe to act as the Paramount ruler of the Community while Mr. Jerry Offor is to act as the Community Development Committee Chairman and Mr. Shedrach Afiemo as the Youth President.