Bayelsa SSG’s mother regains freedom after 23 days in kidnappers den
…N4m, two Android phones did the magic
Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa
Jubilation greeted the family of Kombowei Benson, the Secretary to the Bayelsa state Government (SSG), following the release of his 80-year-old mother who was in the kidnappers den for 32 days.
Madam Benita Benson was kidnapped by unknown gunmen about a month ago, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The kidnappers had initially demanded for the sum of N300 million as ransom but the amount could not be provided as negotiations and search for the octogenarian woman continued since then.
About fortnight ago, some close relations of the SSG were reportedly invited to Yenagoa from the village and were arrested as part of efforts to get to the roots of the kidnap.
However, respite came, on Sunday evening, as operatives of the state’s special security outfit, Operation PUFF ADDER secured the release of Madam Benita Benson from the kidnappers’ den after a month and two days in captivity.
Madam Benson, who was seen in high spirits as she was released at about 5.30p.m, on Sunday, by the security operatives to her son, the SSG who was also in joyous mood, however, disclosed that her kidnappers treated her well in their custody.
Surrounded by relatives and security operatives, impeccable sources disclosed that the sum of N4 million was paid two android phones did the magic of her release possible.
A source quoted SSG Kombowei as describing the payment of the huge amount as a ‘token gift’ to the kidnappers and not ransom payment.
Giving some insights into reasons behind the long sojourn of his mother in the hands of kidnappers, the elated Kombowei told journalists that the mother was the fifth person to be a victim of kidnap in the family and vowed never to pay ransom and trusted in the security agencies and God to secure the release of her Mother even as he paid the four million ransom.
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His words, “Mama is back to the House and I want to give thanks to God and the security team in the state. I am so happy that my mother is back.
“Even if I tell people that ransom was not paid, they will not believe me. When they demanded for N500million, I stood my ground. Even when I say I will not pay, I gave them a token to allow Mama came back home.”
New Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Echeng Eworo Echeng, in his reaction, however, said the pressure from the police led to her release.
Sending a warning signal to criminals in the state, Mr. Echeng said, “Our message to those involved in such heinous act is that it is a crime and no matter how involved you are, you will be arrested.”
