Abducted Bayelsa monarch regains freedom 13 days after ambush

The abducted Deputy Paramount Ruler of Ikeinghenbiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, Chief Collins Adikoko, has regained his freedom after 13 days in the kidnappers’ den.

Adikoko was abducted by the gunmen in his residence at Ikeinghenbiri, a coastal community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state on February 21.

Three gunmen had stormed the home of the victim and whisked him away to an unknown destination through a speedboat on the fateful day.

A source close to the monarch said Adikoko regained his freedom on Thursday, but did not indicate whether ransom was paid or not.

The source, who spoke in confidence, said the monarch was dumped at Opolo Roundabout in Yenagoa.

He said, “He sent me a text message immediately he was released. He said nothing about ransom. According to the text message, he said he was kidnapped by gunmen inside his bedroom in his hometown at about 2.30am on February 21 and was taken to an unknown mangrove forest for 13 days.

“He said he was left with the abductors in their den. He said he was luckily released on Thursday.”

It was, however, gathered that a day after the monarch was released; a gang of gunmen struck at Brass in Brass Local Government Area and abducted a community leader, Chief Debor Olali, who is also a proprietor of a popular hotel in the state.

It was learnt that the victim was abducted in his residence at about 11am.

“His whereabouts are still unknown and his abductors have not made their motive known,” a security source said.

The police spokesperson, Mr. Asinim Butswatt, said Olali was whisked away by his assailants in a waiting speedboat close to the Brass government jetty.

Butswatt said, “The police have launched an aggressive manhunt to locate the kidnappers and free their victim. Our anti-kidnap squad has already moved to the creeks and they are working to release him.”