Abducted Bayelsa Speaker’s mother regains freedom

The 78- year-old kidnapped mother of the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Kombowei Benson, has been set free by her abductors.

A reliable source confided in Vanguard that Madam Betinah Okunwa Benson was freed  at about 10pm last night after eight days in kidnappers’ den.

Bayelsa Speaker’s mum, Mrs Betinah Okunwa Benson

However, it was not clear at press time if the N40million Naira ransom demanded by her abductors was paid by the Speaker to secure his mother’s freedom.

The details about how she was released, like most of high profile kidnap cases in Nigeria, remained sketchy.

But, Mr. Preye Kariamo, spokesman of the speaker, who confirmed the release of the old woman on telephone said she was handed over to members of her family by the officials of Sagbama Local Government Council hale and hearty.

He however denied any payment of ransom. Kariomo, said “No ransom was paid to secure her release. She is hale and hearty and has re-united with her Children.”

Madam Betinah Okunwa Benson was kidnapped at her country home Korokorosei in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State a week ago by about 10 gunmen in two speed boats.