Kidnapped parents of former Bayelsa commissioner Maxwell Oko freed

On 12 June, the kidnapped parents of the former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Maxwell Oko, were released, after almost ten days in captivity.

Pa Erasmus Oko, 79, and his wife Idemokumo, in her mid-50s, were seized by unknown gunmen on 2 June, from their country home in Otuasega community of Bayelsa State. The traumatized couple was reported to have been driven to Okarki waterfront in neighbouring Rivers State, where their captors transferred them to a waiting boat, and then disappeared into the creeks. They were reportedly rescued from their kidnappers in Soku, Rivers State.

It is not known if any ransom was paid as a condition for their release. One family source said they came home in good health, though the old man looked pale, as he had not taken his regular medication while in captivity. The former commissioner said he was deeply grateful to God that his parents came home safely after the nightmare.