Bayelsa monarch abducted

Gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, have abducted the monarch of Oporomor Kingdom in Ekeremor, Bayelsa State, His Royal Majesty Augustine Ebikeme.

The traditional ruler was reportedly seized by his assailants at Kokori community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State.
 

He was reportedly whisked away on Sunday to an unknown destination as he was returning to his kingdom from an engagement.

Youths, under the auspices of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide  have condemned the incident. They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the monarch.

The IYC in a statement by its Spokesperson, Mr. Eric Omare, said the abduction of Ebikeme popularly known as Pere Ekere was an attack on the entire Ijaw nation.

Omare said, “We regard the kidnap of Pere Ekere, who is not just a traditional ruler but a spiritual leader to the Ijaw people as an attack on the entire Ijaw nation.

“If Pere Ekere is not released with immediate effect by the kidnappers, Ijaw youths would be forced to storm Kokori Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State to effect his release.

“The abduction of Pere Ekere is a joke taken too far and the IYC will not tolerate it.

“In order to take steps towards the release of Pere Ekere, the IYC would hold an emergency national congress at Olabrakopre Community, Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri, Delta State on Friday.”

The spokesperson said the congress would be attended by Ijaw youths all over the nation where decisions on practical steps to release the monarch are expected to be taken.