Bayelsa commissioner kidnapped

By Emem Idio,Yenagoa

YENAGOA – BARELY twenty-four hours after the sister of the Bayelsa state Governor Seriake Dickson was kidnapped, suspected kidnappers struck in Ogbia Local Government Area and abducted the serving state Commissioner for Local Government, Mrs. Sarafina Otazi.

Confirming the abduction of the state government official, a family member and nephew of the victim, Mr. Patrick Oba, said she was kidnapped on gunpoint in Otuoke on her way to Ewoi Community in Ogbia L0cal Government Area for a funeral.

According to the family source, the kidnappers reportedly whisked away the victim, removed her car keys and left two female occupants who were with her in the vehicle, apparently to frustrate attempts to report the crime.

Otazi is a one-time Acting chairperson of Ogbia Council area and former Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state.

Spokesperson of the Bayelsa state Police Command Asinim Butswatt, who confirmed the incident, said he was however yet to get details as at press time.