Abducted Bayelsa State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Otokito, has regained his freedom. He spent five days in the kidnappers’ den before he was freed on Monday. Otokito was kidnapped on January 20 from his residence in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, by gunmen believed to be crude oil thieves. He was said to have been abducted because he reportedly opposed their plan to set up an illegal refinery around the community’s forest. Two days after the incident, the gang leader called the paramount ruler of the community, Theophilus Wongo, on the telephone and informed…

Following a night attack by gunmen on Dong Community of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, there was a massive protest yesterday by residents of the community demanding justice. The angry residents protested with placards and leaves over their heads. They also blocked the major roads passing through the community while calling on the federal and state governments to stop the incessant killings in by suspected herders in the community. Spokesman of the community, John Emmanuel, said: “On Saturday, some gunmen suspected to be herdsmen invaded Dong community and went to a mining site where some people were…

Abductors of Bayelsa State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Otokito, have contacted the paramount ruler of his community, Otuokpoti, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state. Otokito’s abductors, believed to be operators of illegal crude oil refinery, also known as ‘kpofire’, had stormed his residence in the community on Thursday night and grabbed him from his bedroom at gunpoint into a waiting speedboat at the waterside and sped away. They were said to have kidnapped Otokito for opposing their plan to set up an illegal crude oil refinery in the community’s forest. Our correspondent learnt that the…

Otokito Federal Oparmiola, Bayelsa state commissioner of trade and commerce, has been abducted by gunmen. The commissioner was reportedly kidnapped Thursday night at his residence in Otuokpoti, Ogbia LGA of the state. The armed gunmen were said to have invaded the neighbourhood, shooting randomly into the air to frighten the locals before whisking the commissioner away. Asinim Butswat, police public relations officer in Bayelsa, confirmed the development on Friday. The police spokesperson said efforts were underway to rescue the victim. “Investigation is ongoing,” he said. “We have launched a manhunt for his rescue and arrest of the perpetrators.” Otokito is…