The 72-year-old Nitabai, a prominent chief of Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was whisked away through the Otuoke creek from his residence at about 3.30am by seven heavily armed men.
Although a detachment of men of the Nigerian Army are stationed in the former president’s home, but it was gathered that the gunmen gained access into the old man’s residence which is on the bank of the creek.
Security sources said that the ease at which the men made good their escape suggested that they might have come in a 200 horse power boat engine which was recently banned by the state government.
The victim’s residence is located some 300 metres from a military checkpoint close to the Otuoke bridge, off the Onuebum-Otuoke Road where the former president’s home is located.
Nitabai is described as the head of the compound from where the former president hails.
It was learnt that the septuagenarian, though cousin to the former President, had been acting as father figure to Jonathan since the death of his (Jonathan’s) biological father.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, has since confirmed the abduction. [myad]
