The Joint Task Force code named Operation Pulo Shield has rescued the kidnapped Perekere of Oporomor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Augustine Ebikeme.
The royal father who is also the spiritual leader of Egbesu, the Ijaw war deity and first vice chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council was kidnapped last Sunday at Kokori town in Ethiope East local government area of Delta State by armed men believed to be commercial kidnappers.
He was rescued Monday at about 1pm by operatives of the JTF in collaboration with men of the Department of State Security from an uncompleted building in a bush at Kokori after a shoot out with the kidnappers who escaped unhurt.
The security operatives were said to have stormed the kidnapper’s hideout where the victim was being held amid ransom negotiation with the family.
“His Royal Majesty was rescued unhurt while suspects fled into surrounding swampy forested area. The suspects are being trailed, while the house used as hideout was set ablaze insitu,” the JTF spokesman, Lt Col Mustapha Anka told newsmen.
The monarch was handed over to the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) by the JTF Commander, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe in Government House, Yenagoa late Monday night.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Seriake Dickson, the Deputy Governor, commended the efforts of the JTF for its prompt response, leading to the rescue of King Ebikeme.
He also enjoined community leaders in the state to caution their youths to desist from unwholesome acts like kidnapping, adding that they will eventually be caught and made to face the full weight of the law.
The deputy governor also said that he was delighted to see the monarch brought back, hail and hearty and no ransom was paid before he was rescued.
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