We don’t have N500m ransom for Jonathan’s uncle — Family

The kidnappers of Chief Inengite Nitabai, an uncle to President Goodluck Jonathan, have reportedly insisted on N500m ransom before the victim can be freed.

On Friday, the kidnappers spoke with the family and demanded N500m ransom as a condition for the release of Nitabai, Jonathan’s adopted father.

The demand, which the family said was outrageous, has thrown the members of Jonathan’s compound into panic.

When our correspondent called one of the children of the victim on Saturday night, he said family members were still apprehensive.

The child, who craved anonymity, said the kidnappers’ demand had caused serious tension in the family.

He said, “The amount the kidnappers are demanding is too high. Where do they expect us to raise such money?

“I am appealing to them to release our father. He is a good man; a God-fearing individual and symbol of peace in Otuoke and its environs.”

The abductors had threatened on Friday to kill Nitabai if the family failed to produce the money as soon as possible.

It was learnt that the Nitabais had constituted a committee to evaluate the demand, establish negotiations with the abductors and facilitate the victim’s release.

“The kidnappers contacted the family four days after and demanded the sum of N500m. Negotiations are ongoing between the family and the captors of Nitabai,” the child stated.

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