Forty eight hours after he was abducted a by yet to be identified militant group, the whereabout of blind octogenarian, Pa Jeffie Komonibo, who was seized at his Odi home in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government area of Bayelsa State is still unknown, while unconfirmed report say he may be dead.
Bayelsa State House of Assembly has condemned the kidnap.
THISDAY gathered that unlike other times when the abductors make their demand for ransom within 24 hours, no demand has been made, a situation which has fueled speculation that he may have died.
Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Werenipre Seiba-rugu, whose mother was also kidnapped recently, said � kidnapping is not part of the genuine Ijaw struggle for equity and justice.�
According to Special Assistant to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Mr Jonah Okah, Seibarugu condemned kidnapping of relations of political office holders by gunmen, a situation which does nor augur well for the image of the state.
He, therefore, called on all well-meaning Bayelsans to join in the campaign against the ugly trend.
�What would anybody gain from kidnapping a man who is over eighty years old? The act should be condemned by well meaning Bayelsans.
This culture, which is alien to us should be condemned by all especially at this time that government is doing everything to reposition Bayelsa State so as to make it a safe haven for investors.� Stated Seibarugu. He therefore called on the kidnappers to release their victim immediately as the old man has done nothing wrong to deserve the ordeal he is been subjected to in his twilight hours.Pa. Komonibo is said to be on medication which if he no assess to, his health situation may deteriorate rapidly.
Oct112007