Kidnapping: Police Confirm Release Of Bayelsa Speaker’s Mother

The Bayelsa Police Command yesterday announced the release of the mother of the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mrs. Betinah Benson, eight days after her abduction. The release of the Speaker’s mother is coming few hours after the Bayelsa State Government accused some unnamed politicians, within and outside the state, of sponsoring recent cases of kidnapping to promote confusion and sense of insecurity.The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kings Omire, while confirming the development told LEADERSHIP on telephone in Yenagoa, that the 78-year –old woman was released to the family’s relations Monday night around Patani in Delta State.

Mr. Omire, who could not confirm if any ransom was paid to the kidnappers, said the woman was brought to his office by the family members late Monday night.

Commenting on the release of his mother, the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson, said his mother was released in good condition but he had to make her go through thorough medical examination.

Mr. Benson, who said the family members were yet to overcome the psychological trauma experienced during the eight days kidnap period, expressed thanks to God for sparing the live of their mother. He said the kidnappers who had initially sounded very rude and insulting to him on phone, later shifted from their hard line posture as they agreed to free the old woman.

On the possibility of the family members paying the N40 million ransom allegedly demanded by the abductors, the Speaker said no money was paid for the release of his mother. “Ransom paid? There is nothing like that.

These boys, how much do you want to give them that will satisfy them. It was the pressure by the security people, our prayers and pleas to them that made them release mama. No ransom was paid to any one”, Mr. Benson said.

The state government in a statement issued on Monday night and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson said, “From the facts at our disposal, it is clear that some failed politicians, especially the arrow heads of those who have lost out in the power equation in the state, are working hard behind the scene with some forces outside the state to sponsor kidnapping of innocent citizens in Bayelsa State.”

The statement reads in part: “Their aim is not only to scare away investors and stall development, but also to make the state ungovernable and to give the impression that the government of the day is incapable of securing the lives and property of citizens. The government of Hon. Henry Dickson has not only given top priority to security, it has also shown enough political will in protecting lives and property in the state.