Goodluck Jonathan's Cousin Who was Kindnapped with His Uncle, Found Dead in Bayelsa

Jonathan in a sad mood

Fishermen in Otuoke community on Friday discovered the decomposing body of Goodluck Jonathan's cousin, raising fears about the safety of the former president's 72-year-old uncle, who was kidnapped on Wednesday.

According to witness reports, the body of a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was abducted alongside the former leader’s uncle, Chief Inegite Jonathan, was on Friday, recovered by fishermen in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

The body of 35-year old Samuel Oki, was found reportedly floating on Otuoke river, two days after the abduction, according to relatives.

Asini Butswat, the police spokesperson for Bayelsa State, told a correspondent that he was aware of the report, but could not immediately confirm its details, adding that he was working to receive briefings from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area.

It can be recalled that we reported it here on Wednesday that armed gunmen, abducted 72-year-old Chief Inegite Jonathan who is President Jonathan’s uncle and foster father, but the kidnap of Mr. Oki was not immediately noticed until several hours later.

Fishermen in Otuoke community on Friday, discovered his decomposing body, raising fears about the safety of the former president’s 72-year-old uncle, whose whereabout was still unknown by Friday afternoon.

Igbogamini Paul, a family member of the deceased, said both men were kidnapped on Wednesday, adding that they believe that a gunshot they heard during the abduction was targeted at Oki and expressed sadness over the incident.

Villagers said local fishermen recovered the body and anchored it by the riverside to prevent the body from being carried away by water currents. The body had been deposited at a morgue in the area.

The kidnappers have yet to establish any contact with the family of their hostage since Wednesday as the police spokesperson, Mr. Butswat, a deputy superintendent, said police were still trailing the kidnappers.

Meanwhile sympathisers have been visiting the Otuoke residence of the abducted chief located within the neighbourhood of the former president’s country home.