Kidnappers of 80-year-old Madam Betinah Benson, mother of the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Dr Kombowei Benson, have demanded a ransom of N500m for her release.

Another group of kidnappers also demanded N200m for the release of Tari Ajanami, the owner of a popular Club 64.

It was gathered that investigators into the two abductions were already looking at the possibility that both were planned by one group.

While both abductions happened few days from the other, the ransom demand also occurred few hours apart

Attempts to get the confirmation on the kidnappers’ demands from the spokesman of Bayelsa Police Command, Asinim Butswat, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone did not connect.

But a member of the family of the abducted club owner, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the family had been contacted by the kidnappers who demanded a ransom of N200m.

“I was shocked when they demanded N200m. I hope and pray that they release our brother unhurt,” the family source said.

Bayelsa SSG’s mother was kidnapped for the second time in eight years last month at her residence in the Old Assembly Quarters, Yenagoa.

Her abductors were reportedly dressed in military uniforms.

Ajanami, an indigene of Ayamasa town in Ekeremor area of the State, was abducted at his project site along Otiotio Road in the state capital.

(The Nation)