Kidnappers of President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Inengite Nitabai, are reportedly confused over what to do with their victim.
It was gathered that the 10 gunmen are in dilemma, following the arrest of some suspects in connection to the incident.
Nitabai was abducted 19 days ago in Otuoke, the hometown of President Jonathan in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
It was learnt that the police arrested suspects directly linked to the incident, including some persons said to be related to the victim.
A source from the family said suspects arrested by the police had “weakened the kidnappers”.
The source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the police rounded up persons who facilitated the kidnapping, including individuals who reportedly gave the hoodlums information about Nitabai’s movements.
He said one of the suspects had confessed to having a link with the assailants.
“The person who confessed had also called the ringleader of the gang to release the man since the police were aware of their identities. But the leader did not understand how they would release the man without money. So, they are in a dilemma,” he said.
He said the kidnappers had told the family of their victim that they would release Nitabai, if the police set the suspects in their custody free.
He dispelled rumours that the kidnappers might have killed Nitabai.
“They cannot kill him because the police know all of them. Besides, the father of the ringleader is in police custody.
“Killing him will have many far-reaching implications, especially in view of death penalty for kidnappers in the state. We believe that they will soon release him”, he said.
When asked whether the family had paid some ransom to the kidnappers, the source said: “We are no longer talking about ransom because the identities of the kidnappers have been known.
“I am not aware that anybody has paid ransom to the kidnappers. The hoodlums are simply looking for a soft-landing”.
The kidnappers had earlier rejected N30million offered them by the family after demanding N500million ransom.
The family of 60-year old Priscilla Ebua, the abducted sister of the Commissioner for Sports, Maitama Obodor, has pleaded with her abductors to release her on health ground.
Ebue was kidnapped at Oloibiri, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, by five gunmen on Monday night.
Obodor appealed to the kidnappers to have a change of heart and release her unhurt.
The statement said: “We appeal to the kidnappers to have the fear of God and change of heart to urgently return the generous and kind woman, who has lived her life to the admiration of the entire Oloibiri community and beyond.”
Source: The Nation
