Mr Otokito Federal Oparmiola, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Commence, has been reportedly been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
The commissioner was said to have been kidnapped by armed men at his residence at Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government area of the state last night.
Daily Trust reports that the gunmen invaded the community at about 11pm on Thursday and after scaring people away, they proceeded to the commissioner’s residence.
When contacted, the police spokesman in Bayelsa State, SP Asinim Butswat, said he was in a meeting and he would call back.
Confirming the incident, police spokesman in Bayelsa State, SP Asinim Butswat, said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that, the kidnappers stormed the residence of Hon Federal Otokito on 20th January, 2022 at about 2300hours and whisked him away in a waiting speedboat to an unknown destination.
“The Command has launched manhunt for the rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects. Investigation is ongoing.”
Just last December, gunmen had killed oil workers working with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps in Okoroma community of Nembe local government area of the state.
Barely few days after the incident, six oil workers were abducted at Ogbokiri-Akassa community in Brass Local government area.
Disturbed by the rising crime rate in the state, Governor Douye Diri recently signed into law the Community Safety Corps Bill passed by the state House of Assembly and donated 50 brand new operational vehicles, 40 motorbikes and other security gadgets to security operatives.
He also re-launched the state security outfit code-named ‘Operation Doo-Akpo’, and warned criminal elements to henceforth steer clear of the state.
