Federal Otokito: Kidnappers Make Fresh Demand, Give Condition for Bayelsa Commissioner's Release
- The Bayelsa state commissioner for Industry, trade and investment, Federal Otokito, is still in the kidnappers' den
- The gunmen are insisting that, until the detained father of their camp leader is freed by the police, they won't release the commissioner
- Meanwhile, Otokito was kidnapped on Thursday from his residence at Otuokpoti community in the Ogbia LGA of the state
Bayelsa state- The abductors of the Bayelsa state commissioner for industry, trade and investment, Mr Federal Otokito, have reached out to the paramount ruler of his Otuokpoti community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The kidnappers were said to demand the release of their father in police custody before the commissioner regains freedom, Daily Trust reports.
Source: Facebook
How it happened
Otokito’s abductors, believed to be operators of an illegal crude oil refinery, also known as ‘Kpofire’, had stormed his residence in the community on Thursday night, January 20, and grabbed him from his bedroom at gunpoint into a waiting speedboat at the waterside and sped away, The Punch added.
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Jubilation in Zamfara as notorious kidnap lord releases over 50 abducted victims
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that a notorious and highly wanted kidnapper in Zamfara state released 53 people who had been under his captivity for a long time.
Bello Turji made the release weeks after he had written a letter to the Shinkafi Emirate Council stating his willingness to turn a new leaf.
Turji in his letter had said that he was willing to lay down his arms and embrace peace as warned by the state governor.
Group to Buhari: Strengthen DIA to win war against insurgency, banditry
In another report, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to strengthen the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in order to win the war against insurgency and banditry in Nigeria.
The group noted that the failure of the DIA in providing links that will lead the troops on the battlefield as well as rancour within the military hierarchy has affected the fight against insurgency and banditry.
Giving insights as to why the war against insurgency and other violent crimes is persisting in the country despite huge support given to security agencies, the coalition stated that efforts of the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen Mongonu (rtd), is being hampered due to lack of coordination.
It further urged President Muhammadu Buhari to look inward and right some of these wrongs stressing that they are fundamental lapses that should not be allowed in the military especially within the intelligence unit.
Source: Legit.ng
