Gunmen kidnap Bayelsa monarch in Delta

The monarch of Oporomor Kingdom in Ekeremor, Bayelsa State, His Royal Majesty, Augustine Ebikeme, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The traditional ruler was reportedly abducted by the gunmen at Kokori community, Ethiope East local government area of Delta State.

He was reportedly whisked away on Sunday to an unknown place while returning to his kingdom from an engagement.

Youths under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide condemned the incident and demanded for the monarch’s immediate and unconditional release.

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

“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,” Omare said.

He warned: “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 kidnap of Pere Ekere is a joke taken too far and the IYC would 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 November 21.

“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.”