Chief Richard Seiba (Bayelsa monarch) Kidnapped by Unknown Gunmen

The Ibenanowei (paramount) ruler of Okordia clan in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State, HRM, Chief Richard Seiba has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

Vanguard gathered that the monarch’s Ikarama-Okordia country home residence was violated at about 2am by the unknown gunmen who whisked him away.

As at press time, the whereabouts of the monarch was unknown while his kidnappers were yet to establish contact with his family.

Though the motive for the abduction of the monarch, aged 70, viewed by many as sacrilegious could not be ascertained but informed sources told our correspondent that the kidnappers may have carried out the action for monetary reason.

It was learnt that the kidnappers may have launched the attack through the river (Taylor creek) and escape with their victim through same with a view to avoiding the security check at the Zarama and Biseni exit if they had used the community road linking the East-West road to get away.

According to family sources, the gunmen broke into his apartment through a window by destroying the burglary.

The natives, it was further learnt could not sleep again when the news of the abduction of the monarch spread around the community.

“We are still in the dark as to the motive for his abduction and we don’t know is condition as we have not been able to establish contact with him.

We are appealing to the kidnappers to kindly release the old man. We are also calling on the security agencies and the state governemnt to intervene in the matter,” said a family source who described him as a peaceful and caring second class traditional ruler.

Contacted, the police public relations officer, Mr. Fidelis Odunwa (DSP) said he was not aware of the incident and pleaded for time, promising to get back to our correspondent.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/gunmen-kidnap-bayelsa-monarch/