By Caleb Tamunosaki
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Federal Otokito, who was kidnapped last week Thursday and released on Monday has said that he lost hope completely that he would ever return to his family.
Otokito who was full of gratitude to the state Governor, Senator Douye Diri, his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the security agencies said that he almost died in the hands of his abductors.
Although the commissioner did not give the details of his traumatic experience at the kidnappers den, his appearance showed that he was physically assaulted.
There were marks of violence on his face, what looks like a gash covered with plaster at his back and others.
“If not of your prompt intervention, the pressure the government put on my abductors I could have been a dead man. I am very grateful to Your Excellency, the deputy governor, the security agents and whoever that joined hands to bring me back to life.
“I was almost a dead man. I thought I would never come back home to see my children. So, I am grateful Your Excellency. I said let me thank you and the team.”
An enraged Governor Diri sacked the traditional ruler of the commissioner’s home town, Chief Chief Wongo, the Community Development Committee Chairman, Azibalua Amon and the youth President, Emolem Igu, in connection with the commissioner’s abduction.
The police are holding the monarch, the CDC Chairman and the youth President for alleged involvement in the abduction.
The have also declared four others wanted for the roles they played in the abduction of Otokito.
Diri had left nobody in doubt of his readiness to adopt prompt and drastic measures against kidnappers and other criminal elements in the state by wielding the axe against those believed to be involved in the latest abduction.
The Governor also made the clear that Bayelsa had no place for the operation of the hazardous illegal refineries.
