Kidnapped Bayelsa State Speaker’s mother regains freedom

78-year-old mother of the Speaker, Bayelsa state House of Assembly , Hon. Kombowei Benson has regained her freedom from her captors around 10pm Monday evening.

Madam Betinah Okunwa Benson was abducted eight days ago by 10 gunmen in two speed boats from her country home, Korokorosei in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The Spokesperson of the Speaker, Mr. Preye Kariamo, confirmed the freedom of the old woman.

He said she was handed over to members of her family by the officials of Sagbama Local Government Council in good health.

However it could not be confirmed if the N40 million ransom earlier demanded by the kidnappers to secure her release was paid.

When asked, Kariamo simply said “No ransom was paid to secure her release. She is hale and hearty and has re-united with her children.”

It would be recalled that in a statement released by the Speaker on the reasons given by the kidnappers for abducting his mother, he had said they were aggrieved that the State Assembly under his watch passed the anti-cultism bill which threatens their operations.

He was allegedly accused of interfering in the affairs of the Community Development Committees (CDCs) in the state.

The abductors also complained that the House of Assembly was not operating in unity.

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