ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Troops of the Nigerian Army are said to have taken over the lead in the rescue operation of the abducted Madam Bentinal Benson, octogenarian mother of the Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Kombowei Benson.
The rescue operation, it was learnt, had resulted in the arrest of one suspect, Stanley Woniowei, aged 27, an indigene of Olugbobiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
It was also gathered that the troops from 16 Brigade Nigerian Army are leading a joint operation with other security agencies in the state to rescue the abducted octogenarian.
Investigation indicated that the arrested suspect was allegedly involved in the abduction of the aged woman on July 20 at the Old State Legislators’ Quarters in Ekeki area of the state.
In a related development, the operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a 20-year-old suspected cultist, Justice Egbo, after a tip-off from members of a vigilance group at Otuasega community in Ogbia LGA.
It was learnt that the suspect is a notorious member of the dreaded Bobos cult group and was arrested on August 17, 2021 at Otuasega.
A spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the development.
Butswat said: “He has confessed to being a member of Bobos cult group and he is assisting the police with vital information on other suspected members.
“The Commissioner of Police, Echeng E. Echeng, has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident and upon conclusion, the case will be charged to court.”