Militants late on Thursday freed 70-year-old Madam Hansel Seibarugu, mother of the Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, after eleven days in captivity.
Mama Yenagoa as she is fondly called was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen who invaded her Akaibiri community in Ekpetiama, Yenagoa local government area.
It was gathered that she was released in a village, which is about three hours boat ride away her home.
A member of the State Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee – the group that helped to secure her release – said she was released at a place that was so �far away from any civilisation.�
He said they couldn�t make the return journey that night to Yenagoa, so they had to anchor at Okolobiri, a community also along the River Nun, to spend the night.
Mama Yenagoa arrived to a rousing welcome at the Government House jetty on Friday, as hundreds of Bayelsans trooped to the waterside to welcome her.
Meanwhile, the release of the septuagenarian coincided with a protest by youths of Epketiama community, the country home of the Speaker.
The youths were protesting the kidnap of the old woman when the news of her arrival broke out. This turned the protest to jubilation along the streets of Yenagoa.
Mama Yenagoa arrived into the open arms of her son, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu, who couldn�t help but shed tears of joy as he embraced his mother.
On getting out of the boat, she managed to put up a smile when she spotted her son (the speaker), both of whom embraced each other, before moving into a waiting black coloured jeep to Hon. Seibarugu�s house.
She was helped out of the double horse power speed boat with the inscription �Miss Bim-ogha� by aides to the State Chairman of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Mr. James Jephter at exactly 11:55am on Friday at the Govern-ment House jetty.
Mrs. Seibarugu who was clad in a wrapper and blouse, without any scarf to cover her gray hair, looked tired, but said in her native Ijaw dialect that she was well taken care of by her captors, adding that she was not maltreated in any way.
She was obviously amused by the rousing welcome that greeted her arrival as she smiled all through.
Hon. Seobarugo said it had not been easy for him since his mother�s abduction, but noted that he was now comfortable that she has regained her freedom.
Seibarugu said it took the collective efforts of the state government and some other persons outside the state to effect her release. He denied paying any ransom. �I have long said it that I will not pay any money.�
Aug42007