Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command have confirmed the abduction of the Operations Manager of Sterling Bank, Mrs Nneka Enuka UgoAnochie.
She was abducted while on her way to the office. Her abduction around the Kpansia axis of Yenagoa, the state capital, caught many residents unaware due to the presence of multiple checkpoints manned by security operatives along the expressway.
Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Romokere Ibani, confirmed the incident during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters.
According to him: “On the 16th of June, at 8 am, four armed men dressed in military camouflage, operating with a red Lexus jeep, abducted Mrs Nneka Enuka UgoAnochie, along Otiotio Road, in Yenagoa Local Government Area, while driving to her office.”
He continued: “The police were alerted, and we embarked on a rescue mission, but the kidnappers abandoned their vehicle and whisked away their victim; the vehicle with registration number BWR 552 AW was recovered on East-West Road, and we have intensified our efforts in ensuring that she is rescued unhurt.”
Security sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed to newsmen that the victim had been warned several times to relocate from her area of residence, which is adjacent to the residence of the arrested celebrated kidnappers, John Ewa, aka John Lyon, and Emmanuel Agase.
Operatives of Operation Puff Adder and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Police Command had reportedly provided security to her residence, but the arrangement was altered after she complained about the cost of logistics.
Newsmen also learnt that she was warned to be vigilant and not let down her guard until the state government has approved the seizure of the building owned by the arrested kidnappers.
“We warned her to relocate for some time because our intelligence report showed that she was being monitored to be abducted,” he stated.