Gunmen in the early hours of today invaded Polako community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, and kidnapped Pereama Freetown, an Ijaw music maestro.

It was gathered that the gunmen shot and killed Mr Ebikabowei Umbu, 37, while escaping with the hostage.

Mr Asinim Butwat, an ASP, Police Spokesman in Bayelsa, confirmed the incident, disclosing that the hoodlums escaped through the waterways.

He said: “On the 15 November, 2015, at about 0300hrs, some unknown gunmen invaded Polako Community in Yenagoa LGA, and abducted one Pereama Freetown, a popular musician.

“While escaping with the victim, the unknown gunmen shot sporadically, killing one Ebikabowei Umbu, male, aged 37.

“They escaped through the Polako River to unknown destination.

“The Marine Police, Anti Kidnapping unit and Operation Pulo Shield have swung into action in search of the victim and to arrest of the suspects.”