Police rescue kidnapped President Jonathan’s uncle, Nitabai

President Jonathan. Inset: Nitabai
The police have rescued Nengote Nitabai, an uncle to President Goodluck Jonathan, kidnapped on Sunday, Feb. 23, Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Hilary Okpara, has said.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Hilary Okpara, who also confirmed the development in a telephone chat on Thursday, said the septuagenarian was freed in Odioma community, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Mr. Nitabai, 70, a community leader in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, was on February 23 abducted by gunmen and taken to unknown destination.
Mr. Okpara had dispelled rumours that the septuagenarian had died in the hands of his abductors; and assured that the police was closing in on the hoodlums.
The police chief disclosed on Thursday that Mr. Nitabai was freed unharmed and has reunited with his family.
“We rescued the Chief from Odioma coastal settlement and as I speak with you I am with him in his house in Otuoke,” Mr. Okpara said.
Mr. Okpara said six suspects including a traditional ruler believed to be the father of the leader of the kidnap gang were arrested in connection with the abduction.
It is not clear if any ransom was paid to free the victim, as police sources kept mum on it.
The kidnappers had demanded a N500 million ransom with the family offering to pay N30 million; a sum refused by the abductors.
The kidnappers had threatened to kill the hostage if the ransom was not paid, family members had told PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr. Jonathan’s visit to Otuoke over the weekend had raised hopes that Mr. Nitabai, who is believed to have sponsored Mr. Jonathan through school, would be freed; with many residents discussing privately that the president would ensure the payment of the ransom and release of the victim.
The president returned to Abuja, while the heavy security presence in Otuoke since the kidnap continued.
Ransom payment to free victims is a norm in Bayelsa where kidnapping has been on the rise despite a law punishing the crime with the death penalty.

Source: Premium Times

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