Federal Oparminola, Bayelsa’s commissioner in charge of trade and commerce, has been abducted by armed assailants, a state official told Peoples Gazette.

The official said a search and rescue team had been activated after the politician was seized at his residence at Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area. It was not immediately clear if anyone else was abducted alongside and the assailants have not contacted the family to make demands. 

The incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Thursday amidst heavy gunfire. A spokesman for the police in Bayelsa did not immediately return a request seeking comments about the attack.

The gunmen threatened to shoot any witnesses on sight, the official said under anonymity to discuss the matter. He said Governor Douye Diri has received a security briefing.

It came days after Mr Diri boasted that security had improved across Bayelsa, saying the state has done better than others across the oil-rich region long beset by socio-economic hostilities.