Kidnappers Demand N50m Ransom For Bayelsa Monarch

Gunmen who kidnapped a Bayelsa monarch, King Richard Seiba
of Okordia Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have
demanded for a N50 million ransom for his freedom.

Seiba, the Clan Head of Okordia Kingdom, was seized at
gunpoint in his home on Saturday at about 2 a.m. by unknown gunmen, who whisked
him away through the surrounding Taylor creek.

A family source told newsmen Monday in Yenagoa that the
kidnappers, who established contact with the family on Sunday night, had
demanded the amount as ransom.

“The kidnappers called last night (Sunday) and said they
wanted the sum of N50 million before the king would be freed.”

Governor Seriake Dickson had on Sunday dispatched a
government delegation to Okordia clan to sympathise with the community over the
incident.

The delegation, it was learnt, included the Chairman of
Yenagoa Local Government, Mr. Micheal Ogbolosingha, the state Director of the
SSS and the Commander of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger
Delta, Maj.-Gen. Johnson Ochoga.

Others are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security
Matters, Rtd. Col. Benard Kenibai and other top government and security
personnel.

The delegation, which visited the monarch’s palace where it
met with family members and community elders, assured them of government
assistance in ensuring the quick release of their monarch.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
in the state, DSP Fidelis Odunwa, said he heard of the kidnappers’ demand but
could not confirm the authenticity of the claim.

He said the police had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers
and would try to secure the release of the monarch.

The monarch was kidnapped by gun-wielding bandits at his
residence in Okordia clan on Saturday and taken away to unknown destination.