Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Akari Loveday, the special adviser on Domestic Affairs to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The incident happened on Friday, March 7, while Akari was traveling by boat to Ayakoro community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. This area is the hometown of NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

Although the Bayelsa State Police Command has not officially confirmed the incident, sources say security forces have started searching for Akari.

A witness explained that the kidnappers stopped the boat carrying Akari and other passengers, dragged him into their own boat, and attempted to escape. However, their boat’s engine failed, forcing them to paddle to the riverbank. From there, they took Akari and ran into the bush.

Security agents, including police officers, have since begun a search operation to rescue him.

“The SA Domestic to the NDDC MD has been kidnapped. He was kidnapped along the river on the way to Ayakoro when he was abducted.

They took him out of the boat, but as they tried to get away, their engine stopped suddenly. So they pulled to the shore and ran into the bush.

As I was coming, on the road to Otuoke and the entire area, there was heavy police presence. They were doing stop-and-search”, he said.