Rivers: Gunmen Kidnap NPC Commissioner 6 Days After Abduction Of Ex-NBA President

UNKNOWN gunmen have kidnapped the Federal Commissioner for Bayelsa State in the National Population Commission (NPC), Gloria Izonfuo, in Rivers State.

Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command Grace Iringe-Koko, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday, April 25, said the commissioner was kidnapped on Sunday evening alongside her maid and driver at Ogbakiri junction on the East-West road.

She added that the incident occurred while the commissioner was on her way back to Port Harcourt from Brass, Bayelsa State, where she serves as the Federal Commissioner.

According to the police spokesperson, the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N500 million, and the police have deployed tactical teams to ensure the commissioner’s safe rescue.

This comes six days after the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali, was kidnapped at the Obiri-Kwere axis of the East-West Road, near Port Harcourt.

Wali’s whereabouts is still unknown as his kidnappers are yet to contact his family.

The gunmen killed his driver and another aide before abducting him.

The incident has raised concerns about insecurity in Rivers State, with the NBA Port Harcourt branch calling for his unconditional and early release.

The immediate past NBA Chairman of Port Harcourt branch, Prince Nyekwere, had expressed the association’s distress that Wali was having such an experience for the second time, and noted that the kidnappers were ‘daredevils’ on a mission.

The NBA, Port Harcourt branch, has also urged security agencies to ensure Wali’s safe release.

The Rivers State Police Command said efforts were being intensified to ensure Wali’s release, noting that operatives are working round the clock to apprehend the perpetrators and make them face justice.

Meanwhile, the Movement for Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has described has condemned Wali’s abduction, describing it as provocative.

OSIEND National President, Kennedy West, in a statement on Sunday, April 23, demanded the unconditional release of the senior lawyer.

He described the abducted former NBA President as a respected citizen who goes about his business peacefully and should be given the desired respect.

“We recognise Barrister Okey Wali as a very respected citizen of the state, Niger Delta and Nigeria and a gentleman who goes about his business without hurting anyone. He is a role model and mentor to many. The abductors should regret their action as he does not deserve the trauma he is subjected to,” he said.

West, who expressed disappointment at the high rate of crime in Rivers State, said such incidents would not be tolerated.