Suspected kidnappers have kidnapped the Operations Manager of a new-generation bank, Mrs. Nneka Ugonochie, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The heavily armed men, clad in military uniforms, carried out the abduction around 7 a.m. on Friday in the Yenizue-Gene area of the state capital.
42-year-old Mrs. Ugonochie, an indigene of Imo State, was abducted on her way to the office, around the Otiotio junction axis of the Isaac Boro Expressway by four heavily armed men who rode in a red Lexus SUV.
Intelligence gathered revealed that the victim had been advised to relocate from her area of residence, which is adjacent the residence of a renowned kidnap kingpin now facing trial.
It was also gathered that some police personnel had provided security to her residence, but the arrangement was aborted due to the cost of logistics.
A security source, however, revealed to newsmen that the abduction may be linked to the remaining members of the famous kingpin’s gang.
The State Commissioner of Police, Romokere Ibani, who confirmed the kidnapping, said: “On June 16, 2023, about 0700 hrs, four armed men dressed in military camouflage, operating with a red-colored Lexus SUV, accosted Mrs. Nneka Ugonochie, 42 years old, on Tamara Road, Otiotio, Yenagoa, while driving to her office.
“Tactical teams were alerted to embark on a rescue operation. The kidnappers abandoned the Lexus SUV with number plate BWR 552 AW on the East-West Road.
“Investigation is ongoing to rescue the victim and arrest the perpetrators.”
