Kidnappers of Jonathan's Cousins Demand N50m Ransom

The kidnappers of Patience Egbeni and Kate Eni, cousins to President Goodluck Jonathan, have reportedly demanded N50 million ransom for their release.

The victims were kidnapped on May 20 at Akipelai, Jonathan’s maternal home town in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

It was gathered that the victims were part of Jonathan’s family relations looking forward to his triumphant return to the state today after his service to the country.

The gunmen were said to have contacted their families five days after their abduction demanding the N50 million ransom to set them free.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Butswat Asinim, said the victims had not been released.

Asinim said he was not aware of the ransom demand, adding that security agencies were still making efforts to free them.

However, a youth leader in Ogbia, who did not disclose his name, said it took the hoodlums more than four days to establish contacts with their families.

He said: “They called and demanded N50 million ransom. The families are still negotiating with the kidnappers.”