The Police in Bayelsa on Sunday announced the rescue of Madam Betinah Benson, mother of Secretary to Bayelsa State Government (SSG) abducted on July 20 from her Ekeki residence in Yenagoa after 32 days in captivity.
Mr Echeng Echeng, Bayelsa Commissioner of Police confirmed
the development at the residence of the SSG shortly after handing over the 80
year old to family members.
He
explained that the pressure from the police led to her release,
”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.” Echeng said.
.
The 80
year old woman was in a jubilant mood when she was handed over to his son on
Sunday evening in presence of relatives and security operatives.
It was learnt learnt that three suspects were
arrested in connection with the abduction.
Although
the Police was silent on whether ramsom was paid to secure the release, the SSG
said that a token gift of N4 million and two android phones were
given to the kidnappers.
The SSG,
described the payment as a token gift to the kidnappers and maintained that it
was not ransom as the kidnappers had earlier demanded for N500 million..
He that
despite the fact that five members of the family have been victims of
kidnapping in the state, he vowed never to pay ransom and trusted in the
security agencies and God to secure the release of his mother.
“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 N500 million, I stood my ground. Even when I say I will not
pay, I gave them a token to allow Mama came back home.” Benson said.
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