Bayelsa State's commissioner for trade and industry abducted by kidnappers in Ogbia

BAYELSA State commissioner for trade and industry Federal Otokito has been abducted by armed kidnappers at Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state in the latest case of high profile kidnapping in Nigeria.

Kidnapping has now become big business in Nigeria with abductions for ransoms now a daily occurrence, leaving the Nigerian Police Force overwhelmed with what is now becoming an epidemic. With the proliferation of arms in Nigeria, the kidnappers are now operating nationwide, victims are abducted and sometimes transported thousands of kilometres to other parts of the country.

In response, several state governments have passed by-laws making kidnapping punishable with the death penalty and the police have stepped up their response to the crime. However, this has failed to address the crisis as it has now spread to a point whereby family members even plan the abduction of each other.

Mr Otokito bow appears to be the latest victim of this booming industry after he was abducted last night and whisked away to an unknown destination. So far, his kidnappers are yet to get in touch with his family with any ransom demands.