The family of the Elder Wilberforce Igiri, running mate to Chief Timipre Sylva has been thrown into confusion as unknown gunmen have kidnapped the matriarch of the family, Madam Ebifegha Dikoro.
The victim, , aged 100, was reportedly seized at about 1 am yesterday at Forupa on the Atlantic fringe of Southern Ijaw local government area of the state and whisked away to an unknown destination.
The armed men were said to have stormed the home of the centenarian in three speed boats. Though the spokesman of the State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said the details of the incident were not available, the abduction of the centenarian yesterday sparked off claims and counter-claims between the campaign organizations of Chief Timipre Sylva and Governor Seriake Dickson.
While the Director of Publicity of the Sylva-Igiri campaign Organization, Chief Nathan Egba, blamed the abduction of the centenarian on the alleged violent campaign embarked upon by the PDP candidate, the PDP, through the Chairman of Bayelsa Media Team, Barrister Esueme Dan-Kikile, said though the abduction of the centenarian was condemnable, the claims by the APC were unfounded and baseless.
Chief Egba, Director of Publicity of the Sylva-Igiri campaign Organization, said: “We call on the PDP, particularly the governorship candidate, to lower the political temperature in the state and lead by example as he seems to be preaching violence and insulting the APC leaders in all public events.
“The kidnap of the aged mother of the APC running mate is only the latest in a rash cases of kidnapping and sea piracy that has apparently overwhelmed the security agencies in the State.
“Recall that last year, the uncle and guardian of our governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, also died in the hands of the kidnappers. Yet, Governor Dickson kept shouting about peace and security.”
“We, hereby, appeal to those who have carried out this act, to have compassion on our old mother in view of her age and please release her unharmed, as she may not be able to withstand the rigours of this experience.”
In his reaction, Dan-Kikile said Dickson’s administration had in the past raised an alarm over the increase in violent crimes in the state due to the activities of the APC. His words: “We are aware that these security issues are created to deliberately call to question our record on peace and security.
‘’They know that one of the things we are showcasing is security and peace and restoration of law and order. “Since they came, we have witnessed various kidnap cases of six traditional rulers in the state. The political adviser to the governor was also kidnapped and now, the aged mother of the running mate of the APC. These people are desperate to put our good record into jeopardy.”