Octogenarian monarch abducted in Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Police Command, on Friday, confirmed the abduction of 85-year-old Paramount Ruler of Gbarantoru community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Benjamin Weke, by gunmen.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Asinim Butswatt, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said in Yenagoa that the kidnap took place in the early hours of Friday.
Butswatt said that the command did not receive information on the incident promptly but disclosed that investigation into the matter had commenced.
“Yes, the marine component of the police has been alerted and they are combing the creeks to find the whereabouts of the gunmen.
“The incident occurred in early hour of Friday; the problem is that the family members did not contact our men until 5 a.m.,’’ he said.
A family member, Mrs Blessing Weke, said that the gunmen had on July 1, sent a letter to the 85-year-old monarch, intimating him of their coming.
Weke said that four heavily armed gunmen arrived at the home of the monarch about 1 a.m.
“Chief’s wife was the first person to wake up before chief could wake up; as soon as they saw him, they grabbed him and ran away.
“They also took some money meant for the traditional marriage of one of the traditional ruler’s sons scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday).
“Finally, the wife was beaten up and was ordered to lead their way to the waterside, where they escaped in a speedboat,” she said.