BY FELIX JEREMIAH

The Bayelsa State Police has arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction of the 90-year-old mother of Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Madam Florentina.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, confirmed the arrest and assured that the nonagenarian would soon be released.

The victim was on Wednesday morning kidnapped by unidentified gunmen at her residence in Opolo-Epie, Yenagoa, for a second time in four years.

According to the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Kenebai (rtd) in a statement made available  the Bayelsa State Government assured the Security Agencies of the needed
support in their efforts towards a speedy and successful investigation of the matter.

The statement reads in part: “One of the prime suspects arrested within minutes of the distress call and 3 others arrested less than 6 hours later, have all made very useful statements to the Police and efforts are on to ensure the prompt and successful release of the victim.

“The Government wishes to re-assure Bayelsans of the continued efficacy of the investments in security assets as well as the commitment of the security agencies to interdict crime, and where that is not possible, promptly investigate, apprehend and prosecute persons that are involved.

“The Bayelsa State Government is also appealing to all peace-loving Bayelsans to remain confident in the State’s security systems and continue to co-operate as well as collaborate with Security Agencies
in the fight against crime and criminality.”

It also states that, “The State Government restates its commitment to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of criminals in the State through its continued support to the security agencies in
bringing perpetrators of the crime to book. Criminal elements are by this statement warned to stay away from Bayelsa State because they will be apprehended for any criminal act.”