Another Bayelsa Monarch kidnapped in Yenagoa

Chief Weke

Armed men in the early hours of Friday abducted of an 85year old Paramount ruler of Gbarantoru community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the State, His Royal Highness Chief Benjamin Weke at his residence.

The spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswatt, confirmed the incident, said the family could not make contact with the police until 5am.

“The marine component of the police has been alerted . They are combing the creeks to find their whereabouts‎.” Butswat said.

It would be recalled that two weeks ago,two Chiefs from Okpoama community in Brass Local Government Area, Chief Blessing Wagio and Chief Isaac Akono-Igolo were kidnapped and a N50m ransom demanded for their release.

Family sources said the abduction of the Bayelsa Monarch was sequel to a notice of his planned kidnapping was made known in a letter reportedly sent by the kidnappers.

Mrs. Blessing Weke, a member of the family confirmed that the gunmen had on July 1 , 2015 sent a letter to the monarch, intimating him of their coming for his kidnap.

“The gunmen were about four in number and heavily armed. They came around 1am, and forcefully gain entrance and the wife was the first to wake up and also woke up his Highness.

“They immediately seized him and took some money meant for the traditional marriage of his sons scheduled to hold on Saturday.

“They also beat up the wife who escorted them through the footpath behind his residence to the waterside where they escaped with a speedboat to an unknown location.” She said.