Kidnappers of Chief Inegite Nitabai, foster father of President Goodluck Jonathan, have demanded ransom of N500 million from the family. The abductors had kept the family of their victim in suspense when they refused to contact the family to make any demands after the kidnap.

A family source said the kidnappers called a family member and passed on their demand, warning that they should not involve security operatives in negotiations or attempt to rescue the victim.

According to the family source, the demand has created panic among family members following the threat by the abductors to kill their victim if they employ delay tactics.

A reliable security source said the family had constituted a committee to evaluate the demand of the kidnappers and commence negotiations with them to ensure his early release because of his health

“The kidnappers contacted the family four days after and demanded a whopping sum of N500m. It is believed that the family of the victim has begun negotiations with the hoodlums”, he said.

Checks indicated that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Bernard Kenebai (rtd.), is working with a joint team of security team of security operatives to ensure the release of Nitabai.

A source said Kenebai and his team are on the trail of the kidnappers and would soon get them.

He said those arrested in the course of investigations have made very useful statements that have given the security team a lead.

•Source: Saturday Sun.