Sterling Bank Operations Manager Abducted By Gunmen In Bayelsa State

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Mrs. Nneka Enuka Ugonochie, the Operations Manager of Sterling Bank, in a shocking incident that occurred on Friday, June 16, 2023.

According to eyewitnesses, the woman was taken captive by armed men dressed in military camouflage near the PDP Junction of the Sanni Abacha Expressway in Yenagoa.

Sources within the security community revealed that prior to the abduction, Mrs. Ugonochie had received warnings to relocate from her residence due to its proximity to the arrested kidnap kingpin, John Ewa, popularly known as John Lyon, and Emmanuel Agase.

The victim’s home had been under the protection of the Operation Puff Adder and anti-kidnapping squad of the state police command. However, the security arrangement was modified after Mrs. Ugonochie raised concerns about the financial burden associated with the logistics.

It has also been disclosed that she was advised to remain vigilant and security-conscious until the state government authorized the seizure of the building owned by the arrested kidnappers. This precautionary measure hints at a possible link between the recent kidnapping and the remaining members of John Lyon’s gang, who were still at large during the arrest of the kingpin.

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, Bayelsa State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Romokere Ibani, revealed that the bank manager was abducted while driving to her office by four gunmen wearing military camouflage. The police commissioner assured the public that an investigation was already underway to locate the hoodlums and secure the release of the victim.