Dickson’s sister released after 73 days in kidnappers’ den

Nancy Keme Dickson, 26-year-old younger sister to Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, has been freed after 73 days in kidnappers’ den.

Nancy, said to be the last child of the Dickson’s family, was abducted on December 19, 2015, by gunmen.

The student of the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) was kidnapped at her shop in Okaka Road, Yenagoa, the state capital.

The gunmen, driving an ash Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), trailed her to her shop and whisked her away to an at 2:50 pm.

Though it was not clear whether ransom was paid, Dickson said no money was paid to the kidnappers.



The governor, in the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said Nancy was rescued on Sunday evening by security operatives.

“Some of the kidnappers took to their heels while others were apprehended following a tip off. The kidnappers were rattled and overwhelmed to forcefully surrender their victim, following pressure mounted by security agencies”, he said.

He called on the people not to succumb to the demands of ransom made by kidnappers, adding that plans were underway to amend the Bayelsa State Secret Cult, Kidnapping and other Related Offences Prohibition Bill 2012 toproscribe payment of ransom in the state.

He said the bill would stop kidnapping in the state.

Dickson urged Bayelsans to emulate his experience with kidnappers when his aged mother was abducted in 2009 but later released without payment of ransom.

“A comprehensive security strategy would be launched soon to boost government’s policy of zero tolerance on crime and criminality”, he said.

He advised persons indulging in kidnapping to turn a new leaf or face the full weight of the law.