Abia State Government has announced further relaxation of the prevailing curfew in the state.
In a special announcement authored by Barrister Chris Ezem, the Secretary to State Government, the state government said this was “following marked improvements in the security situation of the State and surrounding ones,” adding “Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the relaxation and adjustment of subsisting curfews across the state.”
In Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, Bende, Umunneochi and Arochukwu LGAs, the curfew is now 12 midnight to 6am daily.
The state government appreciated the citizens over their support and cooperation which it said have led to the improvements of security in the state and advised all to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the relevant security agents who are to also ensure strict compliance with the new curfew regimes which take effect from Thursday, 22nd July, 2021.
Gunmen dressed in military camouflage have stormed the residence of Betinah Benson and kidnapped her to an unknown destination. The victim, aged 80, is the mother of Kombowei Benson, Secretary to the Bayelsa State government.
The attack was carried out on Tuesday night in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital. Confirming the incident, Bayelsa State Police Command in a statement signed by the spokesperson, Asinim Butswat said some of the suspects have been arrested.
“The Bayelsa State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the rescue of Madam Betinah Benson and arrest of the suspects.
“Madam Betinah Benson 80 years was kidnapped on 20th July 2021, at about at about 2300 hours at her residence at Old Legislative Quarters, Azikoro Road, Yenagoa. The kidnappers who were dressed in military camouflage stormed the residence and kidnapped the victim to an unknown destination,” the statement read in part.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State Command, Mike Okoli, and other detectives have visited the scene and investigation is in progress.
Bayelsa has seen a surge in the activities of gunmen in recent years. In 2020, a police officer was shot dead while trying to prevent an attack at the residence of Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa, in Sagbama LGA of the state.
A year before, gunmen attacked a security post within the country home of former President Goodluck Jonathan at Otuoke, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa.
Also in 2019, gunmen abducted the mother of former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia at her residence in Adoni community Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.
Picture: Dr Okezie IIkpeazu
