Bayelsa monarch, King Week dies few weeks after kidnap incident

The monarch of Tarakiri clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, HRM King George Week, has passed on.

His death occurred just weeks after regaining freedom from kidnappers’ den.

It was gathered that the 81-year-old traditional ruler and father to the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Doodei Week, died of the torture and psychological trauma he suffered in the hands of his abductors.

The monarch was abducted from his palace on October 2 by unidentified gunmen during the buildup to the November 16, 2019 governorship election but was released on October 27, about 25 days after the incident.

The Social Media Aide to the Commissioner, Mr. Elaye Yagila, in a brief citation about the life of the monarch blamed his death on the kidnappers.

Narrating the circumstances that led to his death, he said: “King George Agbabou Week journey to the Great Beyond occurred on October 2 2019, about 12.45am when unknown armed men whisked away the late Monarch.

“He was whisked away from his country home Anyama-Ijaw to unknown destination half naked after thoroughly ransacking the house, torturing his wife and children. They made away with properties worthy millions of Naira alongside with 200hp speed boat at the waterside belonging to his son Prince Doodei who is the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“On the October 27, exactly 25 days after the incident, the monarch regained freedom from the kidnapper’s den. He was placed on admission at Government Specialist hospital due to the torture he received from kidnappers and was later moved to the Family Care Clinic located at Bayelsa Palm Road Yenagoa for sufficient treatment.

“He finally gave up on Sunday. The doctor who confirmed his death in confidence said the monarch died as a result of psychological depression”.