Dickson’s sister regains freedom after 70 days with abductors

 From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

A combined team of security agencies has rescued younger sister of Governor Seriake Dickson, Miss Nancy Keme Dickson, after 70 days in the kidnappers’ den.

The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N100 million, which they later reduced to N50 million but Dickson had insisted that the family would not pay a ransom for her freedom.

 Investigation revealed that security agencies, who had been on the trail of the kidnappers, following a tip off, stormed their hideout at the weekend and rescued the victim.

 The suspected kidnappers were caught unawares and they made a bid to escape but some of them were arrested, while some arms were recovered.

 A security source, who confirmed that Miss Nancy has regain her freedom, said she has been debriefed by relevant agencies and taken to the hospital for medical examination

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso- Markson confirmed the story.

 According to him, Miss Dickson has regained her freedom without the payment of ransom to the kidnappers.

 Iworiso- Markson, who also confirmed that some of the suspects were arrested, while others fled, said she was able to regain her freedom because of the pressure mounted by security agencies.

 The statement, which quoted Dickson, stated that he called on the people of the state not to succumb to demands of ransom by kidnappers and assured that plans were underway to amend the Bayelsa State Secret Cult, Kidnapping and other Related Offences Prohibition Bill 2012 to proscribe payment of ransom in the state.

He (Dickson) stressed that the bill when passed into law, would go a long way in putting a stop to the incidence of kidnapping in the state. 

Dickson urged Bayelsans to take a cue from his personal experience with kidnappers when his mother was abducted in 2009 and efforts were made to secure her release without payment of ransom.