Abducted Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Federal Otokito, on Monday, regained his freedom from his captors.
His abductors were said to have released him five days after he was kidnapped from his Otuokpoti community residence in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing newsmen after his release, Governor Diri announced the deposition of the Otuokpoti community paramount ruler, Chief A.C.T Wongo and appointed Chief Rescue Abe in an acting capacity.
The governor also announced the sacking of the community’s development committee chairman, Azibalua Amon and replaced him with Jerry Offor in acting capacity while the youth president, Emolem Igue was also removed and replaced with Shadrach Afiemo.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah said the investigation revealed that they were complicit in the kidnap of the commissioner.
The statement said Governor Diri warns all those who see kidnapping as a business to desist as his government will not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make the state uncomfortable for criminal elements.
He called on all community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that peace prevailed in their communities as government will not hesitate to sanction anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties.
“Governor Diri, who said preliminary investigation revealed that illegal refining of crude was connected to the kidnap, warned all those involved in such business in the state to stop forthwith,” the statement said.
The state’s helmsman thanked security agencies and all those who availed the government of useful information that led to the release of the commissioner, assuring that his government will continue to make Bayelsa safe for all residents.
His words: “I like to also thank the security agencies and all other sources that helped in securing the release of the commissioner.
“Investigation is still ongoing. So we appeal to all in Otuokpoti to keep the peace and security agencies will keep an eagle eye on Otuokpoti and its environs.
“Bayelsa will not condone crime and criminality. We have zero tolerance for crime. Let this be a warning to all those who have taken that as a way of life that Bayelsa is not a state for them.
“We have anti-kidnapping laws and they will be invoked at all times. As a government, we will do everything to ensure peace for the people of the state.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa, declared Joshua Abi, Clergy Mabinton, Gift Tebeda and Azin Azin wanted in connection with the kidnap.
In his remarks, the rescued commissioner, Mr. Federal Otokito, thanked Governor Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and all those who worked for his release.
It will be recalled that on Sunday during the Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area 2022 thanksgiving service at Sampou Community, Governor Diri vowed to rescue the kidnapped commissioner unhurt.
He also ruled out the payment of ransom for his release.
