BY PHILIP EKE, YENAGOA

The younger sister of Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson has been rescued after spending over two months in the handsof kidnappers.

A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to thegovernor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said 26-year-old Nancy Dickson, wasrescued on Sunday evening from her abductors without any payment ofransom.

According to him, “some of the kidnappers took to their heels whileothers were apprehended following a tip off on their hideouts. Thekidnappers were rattled and overwhelmed to surrender forcefully theirkidnapped victim, following intense pressure mounted by the securityagencies to track down the kidnappers”.

While calling on the people of the state not to succumb to the demandsof ransom made by kidnappers, Governor Dickson assured that plans wereunderway to amend the Bayelsa State Secret Cult, Kidnapping and otherRelated Offences Prohibition Bill 2012 to proscribe payment of ransomin the state.

He stressed that the Bill when passed into law, would go a long way inputting a stop to the incidence of kidnapping in the state.

Dickson urged Bayelsans to take a cue from his personal experiencewith kidnappers when his aged mother was abducted in 2009 and effortswere made to secure her release without payment of ransom.

As part of efforts to stem criminal activities in the state, GovernorDickson said: “a comprehensive security strategy would be launchedsoon to boost government’s policy of zero tolerance of crime andcriminality.”

He, therefore, advised anyone or group of persons who indulge in theunwholesome practice to turn a new leaf as the full weight of the lawwould be brought to bear on any culprit.