Police parade six suspected kidnappers

Suspected kidnappers

The Bayelsa State Police Command has paraded six suspected kidnappers, who were accused of robbing a home in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and abducting a woman, Mrs. Ebitimi Salvation.

The suspects were identified as Young Hope,  Felix Julius, Joel Diekemo,  Timipre Unity, Okala Oponi and Tonye Orukekeme.

The ringleader, whose name was given simply as Bright, was said to be a brother of the victim.

It was learnt that he (Bright), who is still at large, wore a mask while the operation lasted.

The suspects were said to have met at Okutukutu in Yenagoa before they set out for the operation on the fateful day.

During the police parade on Wednesday, an operative with the police anti-kidnapping squad, said the suspects had fled with their victim, but met their waterloo at the Peremanbri area of the state.

He said, “They were led by a brother of the victim who disguised himself by wearing a mask. He was the only one who wore a mask during the operation.

“When they got to the home of the victim, they stole over N500,000 from the victim’s husband. Thereafter, they whisked the wife, Mrs. Ebitimi Salvation, away.

“Unfortunately, their boat developed a fault. Few minutes later, the marine police, who were on their trail, swooped on and arrested them (kidnappers) along the Southern Ijaw waterways. The policemen also freed their captive, Ebitimi.”

It was learnt that when they were nabbed, they (kidnap suspects) were armed with AK47 rifles.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, after the parade said the command was ready to tackle criminality, especially kidnapping, in the state.

He said the police had recently arrested over 12 kidnappers in connection with two incidents that occurred in the state.