Fishermen in Otuoke community yesterday discovered the decomposing body of Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, raising fears about the safety of the former president’s 72-year-old uncle, who was kidnapped on Wednesday.
The body of 35-year old Samuel Oki, was found floating on Otuoke river by fishermen, two days after he was abducted with Goodluck Jonathan’s uncle Chief Inegite Jonathan.
On Wednesday, armed gunmen, abducted 72-year-old Chief Inegite Jonathan who is President Jonathan’s uncle and foster father, but the kidnap of Mr. Oki was not immediately noticed until several hours later.
The discovery of Samuel’s body has raised concern and fears about the safety of the former president’s 72-year-old uncle, whose whereabout was still unknown by Friday afternoon.
Igbogamini Paul, a family member of the deceased, said both men were kidnapped on Wednesday, adding that they believe that a gunshot they heard during the abduction was targeted at Oki and expressed sadness over the incident.
Villagers said local fishermen recovered the body and anchored it by the riverside to prevent the body from being carried away by water currents. The body had been deposited at a morgue in the area.
The kidnappers have yet to establish any contact with the family of their hostage since Wednesday as the police spokesperson, Mr. Butswat, a deputy superintendent, said police were still trailing the kidnappers.