In a daring daylight abduction, gunmen have kidnapped Mr. Akari Loveday, the Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
SaharaReporters, via its official X handle, broke the news, revealing that Loveday was seized on Friday along a river route leading to Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State—the hometown of NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the armed assailants intercepted the boat transporting Loveday and others. They forcibly dragged him into their own vessel before attempting to flee. However, in a dramatic twist, their boat’s engine suddenly stalled, forcing them to paddle to the riverbank before vanishing into the dense bush with their captive.
Security operatives, including police personnel, have since launched an extensive manhunt across the region in a bid to rescue the abducted official.
A source in Yenagoa confirmed the heavy security presence, stating, “As I was traveling on the road to Otuoke, I saw intense police activity. They were conducting stop-and-search operations.”
However, when contacted for confirmation, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Musa Mohammed, claimed he was unaware of the incident. “I’m not aware of it,” he said.
Loveday’s abduction has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in the Niger Delta, where kidnappings and criminal activities continue to pose significant threats. Authorities are yet to release an official statement, but pressure is mounting for swift action to secure his release.
PIONEER NEWS 