The peace of Akassa community in Brass local government area of Bayelsa State was violated in the early hours of Wednesday by unknown armed gunmen who kidnapped the father of the state Commissioner for Tourism Development, Chief Nelson Belief.
The kidnapped victim, Uroh Nelson Tempurah, aged 78 was seized and whisked away from his country home at Minibeleu, Akassa at about 2.56am Wednesday.
A community source told Vanguard that the gunmen came into the coastal community situated on the Atlantic fringe through the Long Creek from River Nun by the abandoned United African Company (UAC) complex in the area.
The gunmen were said to have fired sporadically into the air on berthing at the community waterfront ostensibly to instill fear in the natives before heading to their victim’s residence.
The invaders on getting to the residence of the septuagenarian were said to have force their way into the house by breaking the ceiling as they could not gain access due to the highly fortified door and windows of the house.
They were said to have snatched their victim at gunpoint and dragged him to their waiting speedboat after seizing the mobile phones of members of his household before disappearing into the creek.
The disturbed state Commissioner for Tourism Development, Chief Nelson Belief, who confirmed the development said though the kidnappers have not made contact with the family,”my brother, it is sad that an aged and peaceful man will be abducted.”
He said the kidnappers incident gained access to his father’s house after breaking the ceiling since they could not pass through the highly fortified doors and windows.
Contacted on the development, the state police public relations officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the kidnap.
He said the command has directed the anti-kidnapping squad to ensure his rescue and arrest of the kidnappers.