Gunmen abduct Jonathan’s cousin

Gunmen have abducted Mr Mike Ogiasa, a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, in Bayelsa State.

Ogiasa, a former cabinet member in the administration of former Governor Seriake Dickson, was said to have been kidnapped on Thursday, June 2 following an attack on his residence at Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

A resident of Otuabagi, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ogiasa had just returned from a meeting in the community when gunmen numbering eight invaded his house and whisked him away.

“He had actually planned to return to Yenagoa at the end of the meeting but some people prevailed on him to wait till the next morning.

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“He was at home when the gunmen arrived and abducted him,” the resident disclosed.

It was, however, gathered the family of the former President did not announce the abduction to the general public, believing that the abductors would contact them for ransom to be paid quietly.

It was learnt that the family later reported the incident to the police to ensure his release from captivity.

Confirming the abduction, the Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Asinim Butswat, said Ogiasa was abducted on June 2.

Butswat stated that an investigation was ongoing to ensure the former President’s cousin regain freedom.

The Star