The Police in Bayelsa have announced the rescue of Chief Nengite Nitabai, 70, President Goodluck Jonathan’s uncle and foster father, who was kidnapped on February 23.

Six suspects, including a traditional ruler believed to be the father of the leader of the gang, were arrested in connection with the abduction, according to Mr Hilary Okara, Commissioner of Police in the State, who confirmed these developments in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) today in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State.

Okpara said Nitabai was freed in Odioma community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Nitabai, a community leader in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, was freed unharmed and had re-united with his family.

“We rescued Nitabai from Odioma coastal settlement and as I speak with you, I am with him in his house in Otuoke,” Okpara said.

Okpara had on Wednesday dispelled rumour that the septuagenarian had died in the hands of his abductors and assured that the police were closing in on the hoodlums.

Also, the police spokesman, Mr Alex Akhigbe, said that no ransom was paid for Nitabai’s release.

It will be recalled that members of Nitabai’s family had offered a ransom of N30 million which was rejected. The abductors had demanded for N500 million.

•Photo shows Chief Nengite Nitabai.