Kidnapped parents of ex-Bayelsa commissioner regain freedom

By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa -After almost ten days in captivity, the kidnapped parents of former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Maxwell Oko, were, yesterday, night released.

Pa Erasmus Oko, aged 79 and his wife,   Idemokumo, were snatched penultimate Thursday from  their Otuasega country home by unknown gunmen.

The embattled couple was allegedly driven to Okarki waterfront in neighbouring Rivers State in a red Audi 80 salon car which was later abandoned and set ablaze by their captors, who disappeared with them through the labyrinth of creek to an unknown destination.

Though information about their release was hazy at press time, it was, however,  gathered that they were rescued from their kidnappers in Soku in Rivers State.

It could also not be ascertained if  ransom was paid before they were released, but a family source told Vanguard that they were hale and hearty except for the old man, who  looked pale as he had no access to his drugs during the period they were in captivity.

The former commissioner, who broke the news of the release of his parents, told Vanguard that they were released Sunday night and expressed gratitude to God for ensuring their safety.