Gunmen Abduct Bayelsa Commissioner's Father in Bayelsa

Unknown gunmen abducted Chief Nelson Tempurah, 78, the father of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Nelson Belief.

Chief Tempurahwas was kidnapped in his family home in Minibeleu community, near Akassa in Brass Local Government Area. The community leader was abducted just before 3am by seven gunmen who stormed his residence, climbing in through the roof.

A community source said in Yenagoa that the gunmen shot sporadically into the air to scare people in the neighborhood away before going for their target.

Nelson Belief confirmed the abduction of his father to newsmen in Yenagoa.  He said the kidnappers were yet to contact the family, adding, “It is quite sad that an aged and peaceful man will be abducted."

A source noted that after abducting the old man, the gunmen collected the mobile phones of those in the building including those of the help.

Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, DSP Alex Akhigbe, who also confirmed the kidnap, said the command has moved into action to rescue the community leader.

"We heard about the abduction of the father of the commissioner this morning and have directed the anti-kidnapping squad to take action and ensure he is rescued immediately," Akhigbe said.