Bayelsa Police Command confirmed on Monday that the mother and granddaughter of Agrisaba’s Chief were kidnapped in an early morning raid by masked gunmen in speed boats.
The raid took place on Sunday, according to Bayelsa Police Spokesperson, Alex Akhigbe, when the gunmen kidnapped Ikhiogha Walter, 74 and her granddaughter, Yellow-Tamuno Joseph. The police gave no further details.
A source told reporters as the gunmen wore masks the kidnapping must have been carried out by people familiar with the area.
Samuel Walter, became Agrisaba’s Chief in a controversial election in May 2013. Once a rural province with fishing and farming, the discovery of crude oil, and ensuing profits, has drawn attention to the area.
The Agrisaba Council of Chiefs have questioned where Walter emerged from, and a majority of the Council have insisted he was imposed by the State Government.