Bayelsa State SSG says N4Million, 2 android phones given to kidnappers was a ‘token gift’ to ‘allow mama come home’

The mother of the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government (SSG), Kombowei Benson,  Madam Benita Benson, has been released by her abductors after 32 days in captivity.

The 80-year-old woman was handed over to her son at about 5.30pm on Sunday, in the presence of relatives and security operatives.

NewsWireNGR gathered that a sum of N4million was paid to the kidnappers and two android phones, a payment described by the Bayelsa SSG, Kombowei Benson, as a token gift to the kidnappers and not a ransom payment.

Madam Benita Benson, while praying for the commander of Operation Puff Adder, expressed her gratitude to God and the men of the police force for securing her release from the kidnappers. She said though her abductors treated her well, she was happy to be back home in one piece.

The Bayelsa SSG told journalists that despite the fact that five members of his family have been victims of kidnapping in the state, he vowed never to pay ransom and trusted in the security agencies and God to secure the release of his mother.

“Mama is back to the house and I want to give thanks to God and the security team in the state. I am so happy that my mother is back. Even if I tell people that ransom was not paid, they will not believe me. When they demanded for N500million, I stood my ground. Even when I say I will not pay, I gave them a token to allow mama came back home.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Echeng Eworo Echeng, told newsmen that the pressure from the police led to her release. 

“Our message to those involved in such heinous act is that it is a crime and no matter how involved you are, you will be arrested.”

 Madam Benita Benson was on July 20 kidnapped by unknown gunmen at Old Apo Legislative Quarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.