Bayelsa Police Rescue Woman After Month in Kidnappers' Den

Esther Chinedu, a 42-year-old woman, was rescued by the Bayelsa State Police Command after spending nearly one month in captivity following her abduction on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. The abduction occurred when suspected kidnappers approached her phone shop under the pretense of making a purchase.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, reported that the police received a distress call at around 7 pm on the day of the abduction and activated their intelligence network to track the kidnappers. Initially demanding a ransom of N100 million, the kidnappers later reduced it to N20 million.

The police operatives, led by CSP Chris Mark, conducted a rescue operation in Ogumbri Forest at approximately 1:45 a.m., successfully rescuing Chinedu and arresting a 33-year-old suspect named Mark. The operation involved personnel from various police units and received logistical support from the Bayelsa State Government.