Kidnappers of Jonathan’s cousin demand N100m ransom

KIDNAPPERS of Com¬missioner for Local Gov¬ernment and Chieftaincy Affairs and cousin to former president Good¬luck Jonathan, Mrs. Sere¬fina Otazi, are demanding N100 million as ransom.
This is even as Gover¬nor Henry Seriake Dick¬son has said those behind series of kidnappings in the state would be treated as criminals.
Mrs Otazi was kid¬napped by six gunmen on December 20 at Ewoi- Otuoke Road on her way to Otuabula for a burial ceremony.
Security sources said the kidnappers had con¬tacted the family and had demanded N100 million before she could be re¬leased.
The demand by the kid¬nappers has reportedly thrown the Otazi fam¬ily into confusion, as they are apprehensive over the state of her health.
The Christmas cel¬ebration was low key in the family as they offered special prayers for her to regain her freedom before the New Year.
A top security source said security agents are on top of the situation and assured that she would re¬gain her freedom without ransom being paid.
Dickson, who spoke against the backdrop of insinuations of the kid¬nappings being politically motivated said kidnap¬ping was being treated as a criminal offence.
The forum said people should not indulge in pointing fingers but assist law enforcement agencies in their investigations.