I Almost Died In Kidnappers’ Custody – Bayelsa Commissioner

YENAGOA – Mr Federal Otokito, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, who was freed by his abductors on Monday after spending five days in their custody, has said he almost lost his life in the incident.

He stated this while expressing gratitude to Governor Douye Diri, his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and the security agencies for their swift intervention.

Otokito was released five days after his assailants suspected to be crude oil thieves kidnapped him from his residence in his community, Otuokpoti, in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state, on January 20.

His abductors were angry that he moved against their nefarious plan to set up an illegal camp around the community’s bush.

Upon his rescue, he was brought to Diri at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday evening by the Commissioner of Police, Ben Okolo and the State Director of Security Services (SSS), Mohammed Abdullahi.

He had injuries on his body with swollen black eyes and plasters on his back and right arm.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of his kidnappers to the governor and other officials, the commissioner said that he thought he would not come back home to see his children.

He said, “Your Excellency, I want to sincerely thank you and the deputy governor and the entire (rescue) team for intervening in my matter.

“If not of your prompt intervention, the pressure the government put on them (my abductors), I could have been a dead man. I am very grateful to Your Excellency, the deputy governor, the security agents and whoever that joined hands to bring me back to life.

“I was almost a dead man. I thought I would never come back home to see my children. So, I am grateful Your Excellency. I said let me thank you and the team.”